CAMERON HIGHLANDS: It is not really about the twist or gyrating hips, but sentiments over the separation of powers and integrity.
Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin today said there should be nothing wrong with top civil servants or members of the judiciary to partake in social activities, but negative public views on the matter could be inevitable.
Khairy said even Umno has held events which saw people dancing to celebrate certain occasions.
"We cannot be too close-minded about dancing, especially during events held to celebrate something.
"Even Umno has held dance parties (majlis tarian) and the likes, as long as they do not overstep certain boundaries.
"The question however, centered on the separation of powers. Barisan Nasional (BN) was attacked too back then when former attorney-general Tan Sri Apandi Ali was seen dancing spontaneously with cabinet members at an event.
"We were criticised, it was said that ethically, an attorney-general should not be socialising with cabinet members," Khairy told a media conference during a visit in Kampung Ruil to campaign for BN here in the upcoming Cameron Highlands by-election.
Khairy was commenting on a viral video in which Chief Justice Tan Sri Richard Malanjum and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas were seen dancing on stage at a gala dinner held in conjunction with the Opening of the Legal Year on Friday.
Thomas and Malanjum were seen dancing to popular 60s rock ‘n roll tune “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker.
Some have criticised that such social interaction could compromise their respective integrity.
"That is the point of contention. For me, it is not a problem. Some are saying that it is unbecoming for chief justice, attorney-general and law minister to share the same stage, because it will lead to criticism due to their social interaction.
"For me, the issue being raised centres on the separation of powers. We should avoid doing things that can invite negative speculation.
"(At the same time) we should just accept the people's criticism."