An Arrow Shot in the Dark

by Pat Wong

On our tables there was an anonymous letter signed by "A group of  concerned alumni that have been with the association for over 12 years". In it they accused the current president, Niki Rabier (聶聲 1972), who happens to be my cousin-in-law thrice removed, of abuse of power, even of embezzlement. Although we didn't seen them with our own eyes, there were reported pickets raised behind her as she spoke on the podium. I am not defending Niki here. Regardless of the letter being factual or not, two wrongs just don't make a right. Niki is our duly elected president; showing disrespect for her is showing disrespect for the membership. Just as the one who rear-ends never stands a chance in a traffic court, those who composed the slanderous and anonymous letter will never command the respect of the membership. I have talked to both sides and understand the frustration of each. I do not intend to pass judgment as to who is right or wrong, but I think that such slanderous tactics crossed the line of common decency and made a mockery of the Bay Area Pui Ching Alumni Association in front of not just the membership but also in front of the friends, families, and guests attending the banquet. In view of the fact that Niki is at the end of her term limit, I cannot conclude that the opposition party has the good of the organization in mind, but rather has in mind to seize the opportunity to embarrass her. In so doing, the membership at large is also hurt by the arrow shot in the dark, for it is embarrassing to see so many of the learned members of our association resorting to such tasteless tactics.

I disagree with Cheng Kwok-Fai (鄭國輝 1957) that the reason the letter was not signed was that there were too many names to put on the document. I think that was a poor excuse, for a few leaders' names  would have sufficed. I also disagree with Chow Wing-Chiu (周榮超1967) that the reason for the letter is to expose Niki's alleged impropriety so that it will not happen again in the future. I think this would discourage the younger members from serving for fear of being stabbed in the back. I agree with Yuen Heng-Cheun (袁慶祥 1961) that the by-laws of the association should be thoroughly reexamined to safeguard against the alleged abuse of power and impropriety. Hopefully the shooting in the dark tactics will not be deemed necessary in the new millennium.

No matter how righteous the ends, they should never justify the means. I hope that the Pui-Ching Alumni Associations elsewhere are in a much more harmonious state of mind.