Never forgo principles for Malaysian dream, Kit Siang reminds DAP

 

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has urged the party to stay united and continue working towards the Malaysian dream.

During his speech at an event in Penang, Lim emphasised that DAP must not stray from its mission to create a fairer, more equal, prosperous, and united country.

“Things cannot be developed overnight. We must create a longer view for change and reforms as we practise a democratic system of government and must win over the minds of the people.

“DAP must remain united in both leadership and base, never forgo the Malaysian dream for a better, united and diverse Malaysia,” he said on Saturday.

Lim described the Malaysian dream as a vision of a plural society where all citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious, cultural, or linguistic differences, come together as one people. The shared citizenship unites everyone beyond their differences.

‘Learn from life experience’

Elaborating, Lim drew a parallel between the unexpected success of the “Save Bukit China” campaign and the surprise change of government in the 2018 general election.

“Just as no one expected the ‘Save Bukit China’ campaign to succeed, no one expected a change of government in the 14th general election in 2018.

“But we must learn from our experiences in life,” he said.

The “Save Bukit China” campaign started more than 40 years ago, triggered by the Malacca government’s attempt to collect quit rent arrears and demolish the cemetery hill.

Bukit China is the largest Chinese graveyard outside of China, home to over 12,000 graves, some dating back to the Ming dynasty.

‘I was born in Malaysia’

Lim also addressed the allegation that he was born in Funan, China, and came to Tanah Melayu with his father in 1947.

“I was not born in China or Cambodia. I was born in Batu Pahat.

“I attended SJKC Cheng Siew in 1947-48 and then Batu Pahat English School in 1949 for my primary and secondary education. The school records are all there,” he clarified.

Batu Pahat

This was not the first time the veteran politician had addressed a similar claim.

In 2023, he issued a statement on the matter after a video of the issue went viral on social media.

Lim reminded the audience that in an age of misinformation, one of the key survival skills is distinguishing right from wrong. - Mkini