THROUGHOUT his political journey, the veteran DAP stalwart Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang has endured a series of political struggles, which have been a testament to his unwavering commitment to our country, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow, who also serves as Penang DAP chairman, commended Kit Siang, fondly known as ‘Lao Da’ among DAP comrades, for his significant sacrifices in the service of both the party and the nation.
“He consistently prioritised the future of our country above all else.
During his early political career, Kit Siang was detained under Ops Lalang in 1987 alongside other politicians. He also played a pivotal role in the ‘Battle for Tanjong’ seat in 1986, successfully securing the position.
“From the 1980s to the 1990s, Kit Siang stood as a stalwart in the country’s political landscape, contributing to Penang’s recapture in 2008 through his determination and resolve,” Chow stated.
Kit Siang’s tireless dedication and sacrifices in politics deserve our utmost respect, he added, acknowledging that today’s achievements owe much to the sacrifices of past leaders.
Chow made these remarks during the official launch of the book ‘Lim Kit Siang: Malaysian First – Bold to The Last Battle’ (Volume 2) at St Giles The Wembley Hotel.
The 549-page book, authored by renowned writer Kee Thuan Chye, was presented during the event, which featured moderation by Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng, Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, who also serves as DAP national chairman, Kee, and Kit Siang himself.
Chow praised the meticulous work of Kee, who captured Kit Siang’s cherished memories in the book. Chow added that some 80 people had been interviewed to produce the book.
He also acknowledged Kit Siang’s remarkable achievements over the years and highlighted that, despite retiring from electoral politics, Kit Siang remains a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape, continuing to provide valuable insights for the betterment of Malaysia.
Taking the stage, Kit Siang expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the book’s success. He admitted that he did not anticipate Pakatan Harapan (PH) taking over the country in 2018.
“When asked about my challenges, the most significant one for me is to unite Malaysians, transcending race and religion,” he remarked.
Guan Eng also paid tribute to Kit Siang’s tireless efforts in shaping a better Malaysia, emphasising that past DAP leaders like Kit Siang, (Datuk Seri Utama) Karpal Singh, and Dr Chen Man Hin have made substantial contributions to our nation.
