Teresa Kok

Time out with… TERESA KOK

Life in politics is no bed of roses but DAP’s Teresa Kok takes it all in her stride. Loshini Catherine John steals some precious time off her hectic schedule.

It’s not easy being a politician. More so if you happen to be a woman and a member of the Opposition. However, Member of Parliament Teresa Kok seems to be managing quite well.

Kok was very much in the limelight lately after bringing the recent controversial case of the nude squatting woman to public attention.

“That was the police station calling. I have to go in tomorrow and make a statement,” she explains as she plonks herself down, phone in one hand, with her headset in one ear, notebook in another and handbag on her arm.

“My days really are unpredictable; I just don’t know what’s in store for me. Last night, my day ended at 1am. This morning as I was having breakfast, the office called to tell me that some people had just come from Sabah to see me regarding some insurance claims they are trying to make. So I had to rush there. I guess it’s all part and parcel of the job,” she says with a smile.

A communications graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kok landed herself in politics after helping out with the election campaign back in 1990. Sixteen years later, she’s quite sure she made the right choice.

“At the spiritual level I suppose you could say this is my vocation and on the non-spiritual level this is my commitment.

“Though in varsity I was socially aware of what was happening, I really didn’t think I would come this far. As a member of the Opposition I get to play a role in the check and balance of the system and that keeps me on my toes,” adds the 42-year-old.

As she sips her tea and nibbles on a piece of cake, it’s obvious that Kok has got it all together. Throughout the interview her phone doesn’t stop ringing. With meetings to attend, people to see and statements to make, does it get tiring?

“It’s all part and parcel of the job,” she lets in. “One Chinese New Year, I had gone to a restaurant in Old Klang Road and the owner, on seeing me, quickly rushed out to tell me that his toilet was clogged and the plumbing system was bad causing the toilets to stink – not something I wanted to hear while my lunch was being served, but when you’re representing the people, I guess you don’t have a choice. Most times when I walk out to the market and I get a friendly smile from people, that’s nice. I guess I’m slowly starting to be recognised, especially with the latest controversy,” she says with a laugh.

With so much on her plate it’s no wonder that she hardly has time for herself. “I tend to mix business with pleasure because work really has become my passion. Sometimes I meet up with supporters for a meal or go out for a drink. I do, however, love shopping and I am a huge movie buff, but just don’t ask me what’s the last movie I saw – it’s been awhile,” she laments.

Kok does believe in taking short holidays. “I was lucky enough to get away during Christmas. I was in China and visited the world heritage jungle in Hunan. That was really nice. Plus since I love shopping, China is really a great place. I’m planning my next trip to Beijing and am looking forward to that. This short break in routine is necessary,” she stresses.

When she’s not too busy, she goes for a Chinese traditional massage now and then. “I suffer from severe migraine and find this form of massage to be really relaxing,” she reveals.

Migraine or not, you’ll still find this feisty lady running around trying to make the best of things. After all, politics is her calling and, in her own words, she enjoys it tremendously.