A message to the Lims

I could have picked up the phone to call DAP leaders Sdr Lim Kit Siang and Sdr Lim Guan Eng—and I am sure they would have entertained my call but what I have to say is rather lengthy; so a blog posting is better.

First I want to congratulate both of you for your principled stand to sever ties with PAS. In abandoning the partnership of the Pakatan Rakyat, PAS has betrayed the hopes and aspirations of many Malaysians.

As someone who contributed to the Pakatan’s Common Policy Framework, I think the political parties in the Federal Opposition have lost the opportunity to seize the moment: that is, to make the stand that no matter what our differences, good governance, democracy and the Rule of Law are central and core issues in our political struggle.

PAS obviously wants something else and so they should leave Pakatan. However, PAS will still want to continue to stay in government in Penang and Selangor but you should make your stand.

In Penang you must not sit down with them as part of the state government—if you do, people will wonder where your principles are. I believe that PAS leaders who want to be a part of the Penang government must resign from PAS. They can be independent.

If PKR leadership opposes this stand, then DAP must be prepared to go its own way. I believe that with the commitment of Mat Sabu and friends , DAP can continue to govern Penang regardless. PKR must decide who their true allies are in this political struggle.

In Selangor it’s a bit complicated. Azmin Ali will want to continue as MB . This is not right but politics is such. If PKR values friendship and remembers the sacrifices of DAP, the late Karpal Singh and many others who have stood up for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, then they should know whom to choose.

But maybe Azmin wants to keep house with PAS because he is grateful that PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang was instrumental in putting him in the leadership of Selangor (because Hadi can’t accept a lady like Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail). The people will be disappointed. The people want to see real broad political coalition where all the races work together. They are tired of political games… But MB’s seat is worth more than principles.

Azmin’s approach may keep DAP in power in Selangor 2 more years; but the problems will be there come the next election. What will happen to your friends like Mat Sabu, Khalid Samad and others? Will they trust you if you are still in bed with PAS ulamaks in Selangor. How do you avoid giving PAS the lifeline in Selangor if they are still in government? I hope you will not forget the Muslim progressives and the friends you have in PAS who have helped you. They are a formidable force but are now being sidelined. For the moment, they are political outcasts in PAS. They can form a new political party but they need a strong supporter from an established party such as DAP to be effective.

I hope you won’t take too long to decide or grow too comfortable in Selangor while you sacrifice the opportunity to establish long term alliances with your true friends.