COMMENT | Santhara's presence has embarrassed the NZ govt

COMMENT | Trouble is brewing for Jacinda Ardern's New Zealand government and it's all because of a Malaysian, Edmund Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu.

No one can stop Santhara from becoming a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, if he intends to become one; but it is a different matter altogether when he wants to be a Malaysian politician funded by Malaysian taxpayers.

A Malaysian minister, albeit a deputy, must look after his constituents and not manage his constituency from 9,000km away. His wages, expenses and pension are paid by Malaysian taxpayers.

New Zealanders would be livid if a Malaysian were to dictate laws and policies which would affect their lives. In a similar fashion, why should a Kiwi citizen or PR pretend that his allegiance is to Malaysia, attend Parliament and debate laws and policies which will affect Malaysians, and most importantly, be paid a salary and a lifelong pension by the rakyat...