FAR-SIGHTED, inspirational and a leader who gives freedom of thinking to his fellow comrades.
That is how Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the veteran DAP politician Lim Kit Siang.
Chow said this during the official launch of the book ‘Lim Kit Siang: Malaysian First – None But The Bold’ (Volume 1) written by renowned author Kee Thuan Chye.
“Kit Siang is far-sighted and he is able to see the challenges that lie ahead. It is his strength, his own commitment and his sense of justice that he has contributed over the past 55 years that can make him travel that far.
“I still remember in 2007 that he told us to be ready to become the government (state government) and eventually what he said took place.
“It was Kit Siang who gave me my first break in politics in 1986 when I was appointed as his political secretary after the General Election back then.
“He was a boss who gave us all the freedom that we needed so that we are able to carry out our duty and work for the best interest of everyone,” Chow said in his speech during the launch held at G Hotel today.
Apart from that, Chow who is also the Penang DAP chairman, said Kit Siang is a leader who inspires others and always encourages his counterparts.
“He is sharp, consultative and does not force his views on others. He also allows everyone to have their own thought of process and constantly worries about the future of Malaysia.
“I am honoured for being part of his political journey which will still continue. I have travelled with him in this journey for 35 years,” Chow added.
The book launch was moderated by Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng and had Air Putith assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, who is also the DAP secretary-general, author Kee Thuan Chye and Kit Siang himself, as the panel speakers.
The author, Kee thanked Penang senator Lim Hui Ying for successfully organising the book launch.
“Being a Penangite myself, it feels so special for me to launch my book on the legendary Kit Siang here.
“It took one and a half years for me to complete the book and I have interviewed over 60 people for this project which is an independent one.
“This biography also features Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng,” said Kee, adding that he would be also penning volume 2 of the book.
Meanwhile, Kit Siang said his thoughts and concerns are not of the past but of the future.
“Can Malaysia recover in the next three decades to become a world-class great nation by 2057?
“Or will Malaysia decline further after losing out to Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam in the past half-a-century and to lose out to even more nations, including Indonesia?
“I will not be around in 2057 but this is the substance and concern of the Malaysian Dream,” he said.
Guan Eng, the eldest of four children in the family, conveyed his thanks to his father Kit Siang for being a blessing to him and the family despite all the trials and tribulations.
“Kit Siang is one leader and politician who stands fearlessly for truth and justice. He is also loyal to his people and that is why young or old, they always stick with him,” he added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Law Suun Ting