FORMER Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne is a man at peace these days after finding politics a draining experience.

The so-called “political tsunami” that swept the country on March 8, 2008 saw him defeat MCA stalwart Lee Hwa Beng by 5,000 votes.

No one thought the then 34-year-old would be able defeat the three-term Subang Jaya assemblyman.

Gwo Burne’s claim to fame before that historic night was this: he had secretly filmed V.K. Lingam in December 2001, brokering judicial appointments, which eventually resulted in a royal commission of inquiry into the matter.

On the strength of that video, his father, Loh Mui Fah, and he were offered the seat by the PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Gwo Burne had no desire to contest. But the late Mui Fah persuaded him.

“I wanted to return to China where I had a business. My dad did not want to do it either. He convinced me to take up the offer,” said Loh.

But then he changed his mind.

The businessman cum consultant said the lure of a new adventure prompted him to give it a shot. He also felt inspired by Anwar.

“I thought it was an opportunity to try to do something good. Not everyone had this type of chance,” he said.

But after winning the seat, it didn’t take long for Gwo Burne to realise that politics is not a piece of cake.

It also took a toll on his private life.

He felt that he had lost everything – his personal life and his entire long-term plan went astray.

Not just that, his “new career” was demanding – many needed both his time and money.

“Everything had to be put aside. At the time, I had a girlfriend but no time for her and that affected our relationship. I gave all my focus to the people. (It’s) like a candle, you burn yourself (for the benefit of others).”

He eventually quit and felt a need to disappear.

When the 2013 general election came along, Gwo Burne was happy to stand aside and move on with his life. The seat was won by Wong Chen.

“I couldn’t do this for the rest of my life. Can you imagine the whole life servicing other people? Oh my god!”

If he were not in politics at that time, Gwo Burne would have pursued his interest in business and arts like music and paintings.

Looking back, Gwo Burne said he had a tough time as MP. Many things could not be done because of a limited budget. It was also the first time that the opposition snatched Selangor from BN.

It drained him financially.

Gwo Burne used his own funds for his constituents.

As an MP, Gwo Burne said he tried to make a positive impact on those living in a low-cost housing scheme in his constituency.

He organised vocational classes for those living in the Desa Mentari flats but the folk there felt it did not benefit them as they did not get any allowance to attend the classes.

“I was frustrated. We wanted change. Maybe they were not ready for change. Maybe they were not interested to change.

“Ultimately for change to happen, one has to get an education.” – March 12, 2018.