A calendar of…your assemblyperson

It isn’t rare to see politicians printing their portraits on calendars, banners, T-shirts, tea cups or any other medium you can think of?

In fact, former Selangor MB Khir Toyo’s posters and keychains can still be found in some corners of the city, though they have faded in colours.

However, the 2011 calendar of Teratai assemblyperson Jenice Lee is certainly one of a the kind. Presenting her of in various traditional costumes of different races, Lee poses in a model-like fashion and smiles like a girl-next-door.

The calendar layout applies warmer and youngish colours.  Komunitikini interviewed Lee to find out what inspires her to demount her usual professional look.

What is the purpose of the calendar?

Lee: The calendar is meant for charity. It is sold at RM20 a copy and all funds will go for the four designated charity homes, which are Yayasan Sunbeams, Rumah Sayangan, Rumah Victory Elderly Home, Malaysia Spring Single Mother Society. We have placed about 200 copies at these homes. Well-wishers who donate more than RM20 will be given a copy as token of appreciation.

How is the response?

Lee: The response is good. The 500 copies in my office are almost sold out.

The theme and layout of your calendar seems not to fall under the typical style of politicians’ calendars. Tell us a little more about how the idea was conceived?

Lee: To produce this calendar is to show the different dynamics of a politician to the public, which I managed to achieve through collaboration with local fashion designers Hideaki. I gave them all the extra fabric I have, and the designer figured out how to use a fabric to design a clothes. For instance, a Vietnamese cloth I wore in the calendar was actually transformed from an old piece of saree. We didn’t actually buy any new clothes, we recycled.

How long did the photoshoot take?

Lee: About 1 full day. But the entire process was kind of relaxing.

However, it seems Lee isn’t all alone in terms in adding color to her personality in a way very few politicians do, as DAP’s Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching’s calendar and Chinese New Year greeting card is equally raising eyebrows.

Whatever it might be, its safe to say that these young politicians aren’t camera shy. On that note, Komunitikini wishes its readers a year as dynamic and as full of surprises like these two women are.