The Editor,
A week ago, MLA John Yap stepped down because of parliamentary tradition, according to him.
As it turns out, that wasn't the only reason. The smoke he was blowing concealed a fire after all.
The investigation into the Liberal ethnic outreach plan didn't exonerate ex-minister Yap or his government. His self-admitted breach of the public service code warrants his resignation and more.
He says he is to be held to a higher standard and then attempts to minimize his error in judgement and excuses himself with, "I sincerely believed."
It seems Yap, not only can't tell the empress she has no clothes, but hasn't looked in the mirror lately himself.
He and his government's numerous lapses in ethics and documented abuses of power do not entitle him to run again in Richmond.
For Yap and his Liberal team, the many years of compliance and silence were rewarded, but in his case it came too late.
Your services are no longer required.
Spare the people of Richmond any more of this sorry theatre.
Do the right thing this time, take the pension and leave.
David L. Merke Richmond
