PETALING JAYA - The anticipated meeting between Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and his predecessor Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik during the 40th national conference this weekend will not take place as the latter is ill.
“I am fighting for my life. Who the hell cares about the NDC? (national delegates conference).
“Of course it is out ... Everything is out for me,” the former party president said in a brief phone call yesterday.
Dr Lim, famous for his witty remarks and no-nonsense approach, was hospitalised for an undisclosed illness.
He is the chairman of the party's Life Members Council. The council meets today concurrently with the Youth and Wanita wings.
Dr Lim, who was admitted two weeks ago, is a fighter and is bent on getting better.
“I am still cheerful, still alive ... I am not beaten,” he said, adding that no visitors were allowed following orders from his children.
He said his installation as Wawasan Open University chancellor at the end of this month had to be postponed due to his illness.
Dr Lim had quit as party adviser in October last year, citing disappointment with Dr Koh's handling of party conflicts.
He went as far as stating that Dr Koh had buried his head in the sand and should not stay longer than he was welcomed.
The two patched up and showed genuine camaraderie a month later.
Dr Lim was party president for 27 years before retiring in 2007.
In Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Dr Koh confirmed that Dr Lim would not be attending the conference and that he would be chairing the council session instead.
“He is not well. I have been calling him to see how he is. We have a good relationship despite what happened (last year).
“He is like an elder brother to me. There is no drama,” he said last night after hosting a dinner for the party's life members and thanking them for their unwavering support.
Earlier, Dr Koh opened an exhibition in conjunction with the conference and said the sacrifices and commitment of past leaders should serve as an encouragement and not be forgotten.
- The Star
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