Being 'Confused' is Not Going to Save This Guy!

The euphamism 'tired and emotional' is often used to describe a politician who's found to be pissed in Parliament. Now a new term, 'confused,' refers to when a pollie is handed an envelope full of cash by a property developer and doesn't realise it is a bribe.

The former mayor of Strathfield has told the the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that he agreed to accept a $200,000 bribe from a property developer because he did not know how else to handle the situation.

Alfred Tsang stood down as Strathfield mayor after a video surfaced in the media late last year showing him receiving a pile of $100 notes from Sydney property developer Michael Saklaoui.

Excerpts of the video have been played at the ICAC today, revealing that Mr Tsang also agreed to a $200,000 bribe from Mr Saklaoui in return for council approval on a Liverpool Road development.

Under cross examination, Mr Tsang said he was confused at the time of the offer and did not believe it was genuine.

He has told the inquiry he only agreed to the payment because he did not know how else to handle the situation.

[Sounds of grunting and flapping of wings could be heard in the courtroom!]

I wonder what it would have taken to make him twig it was a bribe? Title deeds to a south coast holiday home? Offers to pay his kids private school eduction fees? Keys to a new Mercedes?

I bet the ICAC commissioner was impressed by his explanation!

Here's a suggestion for Mr Tsang and all those other 'confused' pollies. Just hand the envelope back. Guaranteed to prevent further embarrassing questions and gaol terms.