Malaysian Politician resigns over nude photos controversy

It is believed that the photos were taken by an ex-boyfriend, and deliberately spread by Ms. Wong's political opponents.

Malaysia is a deeply conservative society, and Ms. Wong has already been the subject of frequent attacks simply because she is a single 37 year old woman. She resigned her seat because she believes this "controversy" will effectively ruin her ability to successfully carry out her public service.

That Ms. Wong's fears are justified is reflected in the comments of her political opponents. According to the BBC, Mohamad Khir Toyo, the National Front ex-chief minister of Selangor, stated ""She is a single person. How can she allow a man into her room when they are not married? What's the status of the relationship?" (BBC). Such thoughts are very common in the Malaysian political climate.

Accordingly, Ms. Wong has resigned in the interest of best serving her people. Her political influence and career may be seriously and irreparably damaged by this controversy.