Kit Siang’s advice to new opposition leader

INTERVIEW | In Parliament, there is a particular seat which veteran lawmaker Lim Kit Siang is all too familiar with - the corner seat nearest to the speaker’s left reserved for the opposition leader.

Lim has been a 10-term opposition MP and he was elected six times by his peers to take that very seat, which is a record in the country’s history.

For the upcoming session of Parliament, he will be sitting on the government bench - on the speaker’s right - now that Pakatan Harapan has won the election and ousted BN from federal power.

In a recent interview with Malaysiakini, Lim was asked if he had any advice for the incoming opposition leader.

The DAP supremo replied: “The opposition leader must be able to stand up to defend the rights of the people and the country, not just his own interests.”

Parliament is expected to convene in on June 25.

By convention, the opposition leader will be given the first right to debate the motion of thanks for the Agong’s speech and other important bills such as the Budget.

The leader also coordinates the opposition lawmakers in questioning the government and appointments to various select committees.

Karpal would've been overjoyed

When asked how former DAP chairperson, the late Karpal Singh - who had long been critical of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and now leads the Pakatan Harapan government - would have reacted to the election results, Lim said his former comrade would have been elated.

“He would have been overjoyed with the situation. But of course, he would also be mindful of the real challenges ahead,” he added. 

Karpal had long been Lim’s comrade on the opposition bench. Although the two had been at odds with one another on several occasions, their bond and commitment in the struggle for democracy are well documented.

Karpal died in a car accident in 2014. He was 73 at the time and was the DAP chairperson.

Lim was certain that Karpal would have approved of DAP’s decision to work with Mahathir - the party’s former nemesis.

“I have no doubt whatsoever. Because we are not supporting the Mahathirist policies or objectives. We are trying to save the country and move the country into a new direction.

“I think that is something Karpal would fully identify with. It is not easy to accept and work with a so-called former political enemy and to see the future,” he added.

‘Probably my last battle’

Asked when he will finally call it a day, the 77-year-old replied: “I thought this would be my last battle. It will probably be my last battle. That is that.”

Similarly, Lim, who is a DAP central committee member, said he would not seek re-election at the party polls in 2020. 

Under DAP’s internal election rules, party delegates elect 25 central executive committee members who will then choose the office bearers among themselves.

Lim has not held any party position despite having consistently being placed among the highest vote recipients from the delegates.

When asked if this was finally the sunset for Lim Kit Siang, he replied: “Probably.”

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This is the third and final instalment of Malaysiakini’s May 11 interview with Lim Kit Siang.