Koh Tsu Koon chickens out

Proving that even Malaysian politicians can read the public's mind occasionally, Koh "decides" (it was all your idea, suuuuuure) to head over to the Federal Government "for the benefit of the people". And just like that, Penang loses its blandest politician in history.

It's really about time. I can't think of anything he did in the last decade or so that significantly benefited Penang, and even if he did do something there was zero follow-through. Anyone remember that big recycling campaign from way back? I remember because I shook his hand in the small park opposite Mutiara Selera at Hillside. I was, what, eight? Nine? I thought it was the best moment of my life. If I could time travel I'd go back and beat the shit out of eight-year-old Jeffrey. Anyway, it was supposed to be this huge deal, involving periodic door-to-door pickups of recyclable materials, but after a year everyone forgot about it.

Though to be fair, Koh didn't have it easy. I mean, it's hard to do your job when no one in the entire state takes you seriously. I remember an event thing I was attached to ages ago where Koh was guest of honour, and everyone asked the organisers, "Couldn't find anyone else, then?" and had a good laugh about it. Good times.

Anyway, Koh, the symbol of everything that's gone wrong with Penang, is finally on the way out. Whoever his replacement is will undoubtedly vow a slew of "clean slates" and "fresh starts" and other usual promise. But the damage might be too far done to make a difference in the elections.

God, I hope so.