Umno leaders are hoping to sow discord between DAP and Malay-based parties in Pakatan Harapan by harping on the possibility of Lim Kit Siang becoming prime minister if the opposition coalition wins the next polls, said Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy.
"The opposition to the idea of Lim becoming prime minister mainly emanates from the racist and bigoted Umno circles. It is not because these groups care about Lim, but are more interested in driving a wedge between DAP and other Malay-based parties in Harapan.
"There is a thinking that is derived from the past - if they can divide Harapan's coalition partners along race and religious lines, the actual beneficiary would be Umno, a party struggling to remain relevant in Malaysian politics.
"The constant statements from Umno circles that DAP is using Harapan for the political ascension of Lim is a reminder of how race and religion have been used by those in power to divide and separate the various races in the country," he added in a media statement.
On the same note, Ramasamy sang praises of Lim and described the DAP veteran as the best man for the post as he is the humblest of all politicians, regardless of whether BN or the opposition.
However, he pointed out that whether Lim wants to be prime minister or otherwise was a different matter.
"Lim has all the qualities of a great leader but has never aspired to be prime minister. Whenever his name is mentioned, he would brush aside such suggestions as not being important, or even irrelevant to Malaysian politics. In short, he wants to pave the way for others to succeed," he added.
Acknowledging that it would be difficult to overcome obstacles related to ethnicity and religion at present, Ramasamy, however, pointed out that Lim had spent a major part of his political life to create a better Malaysia.
"He spent years fighting for democracy and justice at the expense of his family life. He was imprisoned twice under the ISA for his political activities.
"It is not that Lim is greedy for power like some others. He speaks forcefully in parliament and on issues that affect the well-being of Malaysians but otherwise, he is a very unassuming person. He would shy away from the position of power and influence. He is a natural leader," he added.
Kit Siang is not greedy
Ramasamy said that without the towering presence of Lim, Penang and some other states would not have fallen to the opposition in the political tsunami of 2008 and 2013.
"We in DAP look up to Lim for his constant guidance as for how to move in the muddy waters of racism and religious intolerance.
"Lim might be in his mid-70s, but he is ever vibrant. He is constantly moving around the country giving speeches and press conferences.
"If DAP is considered the strongest party in the Harapan coalition, then the credit must surely go to Lim. Whether Lim is formally present in the Harapan structure is not important," he added.
Ramasamy stressed that Malaysians need a decent, responsible, honest and brave leader to become prime minister.
"I think Lim is the best leader to become the prime minister. He has all the right credentials. More than this, he has sacrificed for the country.
"Whether he would aspire to become a prime minister remains to be seen. Chances are he is not interested due to various reasons. But one thing is for sure, he wants Harapan to form the next national government," he added.- Mkini
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