The sexual escapade of former health minister Dr Chua Soi Lek and his eventual fall from public office shows how men use women and how the power-greedy politicians of today in Malaysia would use sex to bring the downfall of those not in sync with the rest of the brood.

Chua first betrayed his wife, then his family and then the ‘rakyat’ - in that order. He betrayed the trust of his wife and her steadfast loyalty. She played the role of a wife and mother with responsibility for caring for the family - choosing the food they eat, getting the laundry done, the education of children, etc.

This role which women play has been always taken for granted by men especially those in powerful positions. Men usually leave all the caring responsibilities to their wives while they merry away with their mistresses. Again, men use women at their pleasure and treat them as objects and this is utterly shameful.

He betrayed his family's trust. The family members who looked up to him as a father, as an adviser could have been let down. It is heartening to know his children support him in these trying times.

He betrayed the ‘rakyat’ who elected him and rightfully, he resigned which at least shows he is a man of some integrity, a quality which is so very lacking in the present BN government. The greed for power in the BN government is obvious and they are scampering one over the other like mice to get the best bite.

Is Chua a man of integrity? Yes he is. He was honest enough to own up for his wrongdoing and righfully resigned. Are there more men of his integrity in the BN government?

The writer is secretary, Persatuan Sahabat Wanita.