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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 3. 14th March 1973
Gutless Wonders Unite
Gutless Wonders Unite
Dear Sir,
It was most embarrassing to read in Mr Rotherham's letter (an open letter to students dated 6th March) about Mr Lee's appalling behaviour in the university cafe on the 5th March. The embarrassment was felt, not so much in the local student community, but especially among the overseas Malaysian student community.
I whole-heartedly support Mr Rotherham in that Mr Lee thinks he is the anti-tour movement and that to Lee the democratic rights of other students are not important. My own observation has shown me that Lee thinks of himself as gods-gift to the cause of non-violent demonstration. But by some strange paradox he chose to demonstrate his views in a physically violent manner to a fellow student who held differing views on the anti-tour movement. The Exec, should discipline Lee for his arrogant behaviour.
However I also understand that the Department of Labour and Immigration have given Mr Lee notice to leave the country as he has not fulfilled the conditions of stay in his students permit. If this is the case, then we won't have to put up with Lee who has become a pain in the neck on campus and is a liability, rather than an asset, to the cause of Hart.
Yours sincerely,
A Malaysian student.P.S. Dear Mr Editor I would appreciate it if this letter is printed in the next issue of Salient without being edited. Thanking you.
(Your letter is printed unchanged, as you request. We were, however, tempted to alter your signature to 'A Gutless Malaysian Student'. H.T. Lee had the courage to state his opinions openly and boldly, even at the risk of isolating himself from fellow Malaysian students and incurring the wrath of the Malaysian and New Zealand Governments. Last Friday Lee was thrown out of New Zealand by our racist Government which was embarrassed to harbour such an outspoken opponent of a 'friendly' government. If you and other Malaysian students had been less gutless and stood alongside Lee, the Malaysian and New Zealand governments would have found it more difficult to persecute him. You and Rotherham show your true colours by using an insignificant incident as an excuse for personal attacks on Lee. How courageous and principled to attack him as he was just about to leave the country. We hope you are proud to see your contemptible letter in print. As far as Rotherham is concerned he can display his hypocritical snivelling in his own paper, there is no room for it in Salient — EDS.)