(Blog statement by Lim Kit Siang at a joint media conference with Fong Po Kuan at Ipoh Timur Election Operations Centre, Ipoh on Friday, 22nd Feb. 2008 at 2 pm)
Cili Padi Fong Po Kuan has returned to the frontline of the 2008 “Electoral Battle of the Century” – to end the overpowering Umno political hegemony by denying the Barisan Nasional its unbroken two-thirds parliamentary majority in the March 8 general election.
The past six days since Po Kuan’s announcement that she would not recontest in Batu Gajah parliamentary seat had been an agonizing ordeal for Po Kuan, party leaders, members, supporters and the Malaysian public who see the general election as the last opportunity for change and the nation’s tryst with greatness.
Whether at the national or state party leadership, there had never been a second name for the DAP candidature for Batu Gajah in the 12th general election apart from Po Kuan. All party and state leaders, together with the concerned Batu Gajah voters and the larger national constituency, had urged Po Kuan to reconsider and return to the frontline in the critical battle shaping up in the 12th general election.
One cannot run away from the reality that Po Kuan’s action had caused harm and damage to herself, the party and the cause for justice, freedom and democracy – although she never intended so.
I have had discussions with Po Kuan in the past two days and she had admitted to the great harm her action had unintentionally and unwittingly caused to the party, party leaders and the political momentum for change in the 12th general election, and she asks for the party and people’s forgiveness for her mistake.
She has now bounced back to the frontline of the Electoral Battle of the Century and will reconstest and defend the Batu Gajah parliamentary seat.
In our discussions, we agreed that to should look forward and not back, that everyone should single-mindedly focus on one and only objective – to give a great blow to the increasing and overpowering Umno political hegemony maginalising not only the other Barisan Nasional component parties, but also the ordinary Malaysian masses, whether Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan-Dusun-Murut, Ibans and Sarawak indigenous people as well as orang asli in Peninsular Malaysia.
With Po Kuan’s return to the frontline of the battle, let us make up precious lost ground and enter into the 12th election campaign with gusto and confidence, v igour and vitality.
Cili Padi FPK is back!
#1 by ncysan on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 8:53 pm
lim kit siang good job, i am support you. welcome po kuan back
Let us deny Barisan Nasional 2/3 majority for a better Malaysia for all Malaysians.
#2 by undergrad2 on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 8:55 pm
“YB Lim Kit Siang, I still think it is all right for you to campaign with some Christian flavours & leanings, please.” oknyua
I’m afraid playing the ‘religion’ card would be like walking through a mine field. By the time you reach the other side, you’d be missing limbs if not life! Religion in Malaysia is a divisive issue.
How do you suggest YB approach the issue? Dwell on on the universal values of religion? That would be a good start – a unifying effect. But how will the rest see it? How will the Malays and Muslims see it? I cannot speak for them and say how they’ll receive the ‘good’ message. But I am confident about how the bigots among them would use it. They will manipulate the message as an attempt to convert the Malays and Muslims! Ridiculous??
How often have we heard?? And it is almost cliche to say “Politics is about perception”.
Don’t forget to ask PAS, an electoral partner, how they think about the issue of using religion and involving churches!
The churches made a wise decision by staying ‘neutral’.
In the U.S. in the race for presidential nominee, Huckabee has the support of Christian Evangelicals, to whom the U.S. is a Christian nation – following Judea-Christian values. But even Mike Huckabee does not go around with placard in hand to spread the Christian message. With a constitution that separates church from state, it is not a popular move – and Huckabee has not carried the popular vote!
Imagine the same were to happen in Malaysia where Islam is the official religion.
Oknyua, in short, it is not a good call!
#3 by grace on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 8:56 pm
boh-liao,
Yes, MCA. MIC and UMNO did not utter anything against the tape!
No need to ask them about it. They are the guilty ones.
Lingam’s tape showed truly multiracial copperation in the coalition.
MCA has a good friend implicated who is a big donor la!Oh Yes, I think MCA got a buta seat when WEe choo keong lost his court case!
That correct, correct, correct lawyer maybe is MIC member! They have to keep quiet to continue ‘korek,korek,’korek’!!
UMNO- The old boss was implicated ! Who dared touch him!!!
The voters must be smart now to vote those vultures out. Otherwise, they would ‘korek,korek,’korek’ our country bare!!!
VOTE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN!
VOTE DAP!!!!
VOTE FONG IN BG!!
#4 by negarawan on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 9:14 pm
Best news I have heard this week!
#5 by dawsheng on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 9:21 pm
“YB Lim Kit Siang, I still think it is all right for you to campaign with some Christian flavours & leanings, please.†oknyua
Undergrad2 is right.
#6 by democrate on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 9:28 pm
Sorry Mycroft. u r right, should be read as Heroine, thanks for reminding.
#7 by blablowbla on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 9:47 pm
yes,po kuan,maybe you know your position well,you can come back,not like some other candidates,whom already eliminated by ACA at the last minute,reluctantly annoucing ‘skipping’ from candidacy,what a ‘pathetic’ moves!
for your info,we have a person tat holds a world record (perhaps),40 years as DUN,also one of the MBs,guess who?Do you think they will just let go like that due to health or wishing to spend more moments with family members kind of excuses,you really believe that?i almost fell -off of my chair after listening to that looked ‘serious’ speech!kaninieh!
#8 by alexchiue on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 9:51 pm
Great,at last Po Kuan back.
#9 by MrFlame on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:04 pm
gua kekal apa gua cakap tadi.
#10 by One4All4One on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:05 pm
Breaking News…FPK has returned! IN fact it SHOULD be The Breaking News Of The Run-Up to The 12th General Election Of Malaysia!! Believe me – Po Kuan is the candidate of the moment, the focus of this election. She has outdone everyone. She will fight for democratic development in Malaysia. What she represents is more than what she is herself. SHe is more than the MP for Bt Gajah. She represents all democracy-loving MALAYSIANS — MALAYSIANS because we are Malays, Chinese(s), Indians, Kadazan-Dusuns, Ibans, Seranis, Portugese(s),And Everyone Else who are MALAYSIANS.
She represents us ALL. She is so malaysian. she can speak for us.So the next time, if anyone has any problems, look not only for MCA’s Datuk Michael Chong (He is a good fellow!), look for Po kuan too! Then she won’t have time to think about quitting!
#11 by maydaysky on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:06 pm
When Po Kuan quit,
Najis said something like “she is a good politician”
pfft…
Now that Po Kuan is back,
Najis should be consistent and say “Malaysians should vote for Po Kuan! Batu Gajah should vote for Po Kuan”
wishful thinking on my part, but i suppose shit does not have good consistency… sometimes cair, sometimes keras…
#12 by Hardluck on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:09 pm
We are with you, Po Kuan. We are with DAP to oust the domination of Barisan Nasional.
#13 by peanut king on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:09 pm
Pregnant!! Sure ,Very sure 100% sure.
Only pregnant are fickle minded.
Anyway its double joy or “seong hei lam moon”
With this wonderful news then dont aim for 1/3,
give the 1/3 to bn we take 2/3.
What a beautiful day…a beautiful 08032008.
#14 by MrFlame on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:10 pm
ok lah .tarik balik
#15 by catharsis on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:12 pm
To those “War Lords”
I suppose if you can sacrifice as much as Uncle Kapal, Uncle Lim and Lim Jr (spending those cold nights and hot days in jail for the cause of justice, transparency, good corporate governance and fairness), you can also “parachute” anywhere to stand as candidate………….if you have not then shut your face and devote your energy to serving the people as good team members should be selflessly and ABOVE SELF…..if you cannot then join BN which is an acronym for SELF-aggrandizement
#16 by One4All4One on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:21 pm
THe DAP is lucky to have Po Kuan as their member. This Cili Padi is no ordinary cilipadi…. she is real HOT! She is evolving into a national figure…people Will listen when she speaks…the people will notice when she articulates…the people will take her seriously when she argues…cos she is evolving into a genuine politician…in the real sense of the word….not just any so-called politicians…
#17 by jackpot on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:25 pm
Welcome back, FPK
Fight, fight for the good of the party, yourself and the general Malaysian masses!!! make our country a better place to live in!
Once again, welcome back and thanks for making the right decision
#18 by teckwyn on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:38 pm
Wind to our sails!
#19 by 3rd Generation DAP on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 10:52 pm
DEAR PO KUAN,
I AM GLAD YOU LISTENED TO YOUR HEART. I AM GLAD YOU HAVE DECIDED TO RETURN TO YOUR PURPOSE. I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE BACK TO SILENT TO CRITICS AND THE INCOMPETENT BN. I AM GLAD THAT I HAD FAITH IN YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT SOMEONE EASILY PAY OFF LIKE LLT OR YB TING. I AM GLAD THAT NOW WE HAVE YOUR VOICE IN THE PARLIMENT TO SPEAK FOR THE MARGINALISED, THE POOR, THE OPPRESSED, THE DISABLED, THE CHILDREN, THE WOMEN. I AM GLAD NOW THAT YOU ARE BACK, YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE THORN IN THE FLESH FOR THESE CORRUPT BN MPs AND ADUN.
MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE VOTING IN MARIAN CONVENT UNDER THE IPOH TIMUR – WITHOUT A DOUBT, OUR VOTES WILL BE FOR DAP – YB LIM AND THE DAP ADUN FOR CANNING!!
JUST CHANGE IT!!
3RD GENERATION DAP.
#20 by shamshul anuar on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:02 pm
Dear Grace,
I refer to your statement on Lingam’s tape issue. Dr Mahathir is not implicated here. It was Lingam who lied and infered that it OK to lie in one’s “castle”.
Dr Mahathir said the right thing. He has the authority to nominate The Chief Judge. He does not have to explain why he nominates someone over another person.
From the view of the many Malaysians, the central issue is this person Lingam who lied about his influence on the head of govt. How wonderful that he lives in Malaysia. He may be detained should he say that in some countries.
#21 by a-malaysian on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:02 pm
Yes everyone is happy, full of support in cyber space.
When it comes to the actual call for volunteers, a very sad affair.
I just came back from the DAP Penang Pulau Tikus service center to volunteer to help. The respond was so poor. Even at Jeff Ooi blog, he is still appealing for help.
Penang DAP is still very short of volunteers. We need to be observers to ensure that cheating does not happen during the vote counting and many other works to be carried out.
So, if you are sincere that you want to support DAP and ensure victory, please volunteer.
50 years is ENOUGH
Vote For A Change
Vote For Any Opposition
Give Them A Chance To Change For A Better Malaysia
Remember bn Is A Useless Grouping Of Self Serving, Corrupt, Dictator, Power Crazy, Racist, Kris waving, etc, etc type of parties.
#22 by ALtPJK on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:02 pm
It is indeed a relief, to say the least, that FPK is back. But this is only the beginning. I’m sure everyone knows there is still many a battle ahead in this unusually ‘long’ campaign period which does give a hint of BN sneakily laying booby traps for the opposition to play racial and religious cards.
In this sense, I agree with what undergrad2 said “I’m afraid playing the ‘religion’ card would be like walking through a mine field”. If DAP or opposition do fall into this trap, opportunistic BN would then exploit the situation to galvanise support from what appears to be a growing group of disenfranchised Malays.
#23 by Saint on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:11 pm
Welcome back – Blood is always thicker than water.
#24 by dawsheng on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:16 pm
It is not too late to boycott the general election!
#25 by waterfrontcoolie on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:21 pm
YB, take heart, from where I come from, the incumbent for once becomes very nervous seeking opinions and support from Toms, Dicks and Harrys. In the past, he never sought anyone’s support outside his Party, now obviously, he too feels the changes coming! Just visit the local kopi tiams, the whispering has just began!! In the case of the so-called Chinese component Party, the Free Zone really Freezes over! Just walk the town and hear the talks vibrating in the kopi tiams. Now it is left to the Opposition to crystalize the BARISAN RAAYAT into a portent force. Don’t look at the short term, this is the MOMENT. Win the WAR!. Give ALL MALAYSIANS an option of an alternate Goverment!! Make sure all independent candidates lose their underwears if they decide to spoil the fight!!!
#26 by Short-sleeve on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:23 pm
Dear FPK & LKS,
Lets fight all these UMNO-BN crooks!
And by the way, welcome back cili padi!!!
#27 by cemerlang on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:25 pm
Good move on the part of Ms. Fong. I also hope that the party will look into her needs.
#28 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:29 pm
Po Kuan, I just want to say ‘Welcome Home to the Place where you belong.’
And Godspeed too. This is going to be 1 more seat for DAP. Thank God.
#29 by mycroft on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:30 pm
Well… I hope some people can taper down their “enthusiasm” over Fong Po Kuan’s decision. It is good news indeed. But the way some people are going on about it, it is like they are going to try and woo her or stalk her. Anyway, good news. Now let’s stop getting over-excited, there’s work to be done.
#30 by oknyua on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:30 pm
Undergrad2 & dawsheng.
The situation in Sabah makes religion as an issue unavoidable. It is unfortunate I don’t get any fedback from some of the former classmates there.
DAP need not declare itself being a Christian party, but what they do in Sabah is good enough – get the pastors to stand under DAP. In here, Theresa Kok could openly take pictures with the priests or pastors. That is adequate.
I made a declaration of support for DAP in my Christian meeting today. I urged other christians to follow likewise.
#31 by DY on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:34 pm
Its great to have you back.
#32 by sheriff singh on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:44 pm
Yeah!! Its great to have you back.
Poh Kuan rides again!!!!! Like this fella
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kJsJYLNe5gE&feature=related
#33 by dawsheng on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:44 pm
oknyua, DAP is a multi-racial/ religious political party belongs to all Malaysians. I am already dead against the Imam to be Prime Minister for the next 5 years, and I honestly think a pastor do his job better anywhere but in politics.
#34 by undergrad2 on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:48 pm
oknyua,
If you must, you should adopt a bipartisan approach, if you will i.e. seeking the support of church members for the universal values that all religions have to offer and that DAP represents the future in Sabah, a future in which all religions can look forward to ‘a seat at the table’.
The elections must never be seen as non-Muslim vs. Muslim.
It is a slippery slope!
#35 by dawsheng on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:48 pm
No matter what your religion, the only party that guarantee your rights to religious freedom is DAP.
#36 by gotcha1965 on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:54 pm
YB Fong
Thank you for standing up for us Malaysian once again. Get ready to rumble.
If you can’t take Malaysian Cili Padi, just get out… bn.
Long live DAP. Long live Barisan Rakyat.
#37 by dawsheng on Friday, 22 February 2008 - 11:59 pm
First, PAS endorsed the people’s declaration, then they dropped Islamic State from their election manifesto, now they are fielding its first non-muslim candidate. What does that tell you?
#38 by undergrad2 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:04 am
“..I honestly think a pastor do his job better anywhere but in politics.” dawsheng
My pastor never injects a political message in his sermons because to do so would be to denigrate religion which seeks to unite mankind and not divide it. With the separation of church and state it is easy to do so.
However, with Islam it is different. More than just a religion, Islam is a way of life, and there is no separation of mosque (if you will) and state. Had Malaysia been 95% Muslim, it would gravitate towards being an Islamic republic and away from the monarchy that it now is. Expect to hear Muslim clerics who are PAS supporters and UMNO supporters giving their sermons in mosques in the different neighborhoods and states.
#39 by Ling Lee Huat on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:10 am
YB Fong
Hope u learn from the past mistake….& always bear in mind that as senior DAP leaders move on to another stage is a MUST! …so that more young DAP leaders have the opportunities to come forward to shine for DAP & for our next generation….& pls don’t be selfish & complacent remain at DAP stronghold!
#40 by undergrad2 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:13 am
Islamic values pervades all spheres of life – at least for the Muslims. It ‘intrudes’ into their private lives. Indeed ‘intrusion’ is the wrong word to use. Nothing is intrusive when it comes to values preached by Islam. Islam is more than just a religion.
#41 by gotcha1965 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:16 am
Received a CNY card from Pejabat Ketua Menteri Melaka sent to one of my house in KL (based on my IC address). Have never received such card before. My registered voting location is Kota Melaka. Can they use state fund (if it is) for such “greeting”. Did anyone else received such card?
Don’t make me puke, Datuk Seri. As if you can change my vote using our Malaysian money.
Kota Melaka will return to DAP just like FPK returns to win BG.
Vote DAP and any opposition. Vote for a better future.
#42 by undergrad2 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:16 am
ooknyua,
I understand in Sabah, religion is a political issue. Or should I say religious freedom is a political issue. But it must never be seen as a conflict between religions.
#43 by undergrad2 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:19 am
“First, PAS endorsed the people’s declaration, then they dropped Islamic State from their election manifesto, now they are fielding its first non-muslim candidate. What does that tell you?” dawsheng
Several messages and not one. Conflicting signals.
#44 by year of snake on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:25 am
I hope that you have not forgotten that loudmouth Khairy J. who is standing in Rembau against the PKR candidate. Even though his is not standing against DAP, you should remember what he is saying about DAP. Therefore, please also canvass for the PKR candidate and see that this Oxford imbecile looses in his political debut.
#45 by gotcha1965 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:28 am
undergrad2
Is it non-muslim or non-malay?
#46 by undergrad2 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:36 am
Huh? That was a quote from dawsheng. Noticed that earlier.
#47 by gitf701 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:37 am
In our eyes, Uncle Kit and DAP, you have ALREADY WON regardless of the outcome of the elections. The reason is you and DAP has dealt with this issue calmly, professionally, rationally and most important with a lot of HEART and HUMILITY! Like they say, we cannot decide what issues we face in life but we certainly can decide on our response. BRAVO. God Bless DAP and Barisan Rakyak. People Power! Makkal Sakthi!
#48 by undergrad2 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:39 am
“Received a CNY card from Pejabat Ketua Menteri Melaka sent to one of my house in KL (based on my IC address). Have never received such card before. My registered voting location is…” gotcha1965
Good example of a caretaker government using resources belonging to the people to canvass for support.
#49 by musyu99 on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 12:48 am
DAP…. pleeeaaaaassseee…..
what we want is not only to deny 2/3 majority for BN…
we want them totally to be kicked out…
we want change…. just change!!!!!!
#50 by ataru on Saturday, 23 February 2008 - 1:03 am
Good News to Batu Gajah & All malaysian.
Wellcome back Fong Po Kuan ><
Hopefully You will help to continue help all the people in Parlimen Again.
We support You…