I was granted an audience with the Perak Regent Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah after the swearing-in ceremony of engineer and PAS Perak Secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as Perak Menteri Besar at the Iskandariah Palace, Kuala Kangsar today where I personally apologized for any offence caused to the Perak Sultan and Regent
On Saturday, I had written a formal letter of apology to the Perak Sultan.
At the swearing-in ceremony for the new Perak Mentri Besar, three representatives from each of the three parties to the state coalition government, DAP, PKR and PAS (DPP) were invited to attend. DAP was represented by the DAP Perak State Chairman Ngeh Koo Ham (MP for Bruas and State Assemblyman for Sitiawan), Perak State Secretary Nga Kor Ming (MP for Taiping and State Assemblyman for Pantai Remis) and myself.
The formation of the new Perak State Exco, based on a 6-3-2 formula for DAP, PKR and PAS respectively, is the next step for the formation of the Perak DPP coalition government.
The greatest challenge of the Perak DPP coalition government is to be a government for all Perakians – Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli and others – capable of better looking after the interests and welfare of the people of Perak as compared to the previous Barisan Nasional state government, with greater accountability, efficiency, productivity, justice and integrity.
#1 by drctan on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 4:43 am
Bravo Uncle Lim! I know it must have been very difficult for you! My admiration continues on your persist ency, determination and integrity. I hope to be able to contribute to your efforts in the near future, even if from afar. Take care and good luck.
#2 by kkchong on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 5:11 am
Uncle Lim
Many Thanks for your good gestures , you are our rakyat champion and great gentlement. We solute you for your good effort for the past 40 years to fight for better future for all Malaysians.
Thank you.
#3 by CommonFolk on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 6:32 am
You are a man of your words. You are also a man of your action.
Our history book will always have you in it. Thank you Uncle Lim.
Please take care of your health and let someone else take up the Opposition Leader post in Parliament. We want to see you in politics for another 15 years, minimum.
#4 by Jimm on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 9:08 am
Thank you very much, YB LKS.
#5 by gilbert on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 9:26 am
You have done a CORRECT move!
#6 by smeagroo on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 9:46 am
Bravo! At least you have done the correct thing unlike Shahidan who is still sulking.
#7 by rakyatmalaysia07 on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 9:51 am
Uncle,
You are a BIG man ! To apologise in letter and personally go and see Raja Nazrin is superb!
Let us pray for this coalition to work.
Surely the mere fact that DAP-PKR-PAS could come to an agreement in Perak augurs well for the Barisan Rakyat.
Indeed MERDEKA!
btw stop rumour mongering on PAS …Muslims in Malaysia also do not want Taliban style government and neither does PAS
#8 by NewDAP on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 10:29 am
DAP never accept PAS ideologies of Islamic state and never agree to support PAS or to accept PAS candidate as MB.
The Pariah Ngeh desperately wanted to be Deputy MB and agreed everything with PAS even though it is against DAP ideologies or policies.
It was the selfishness of the Pariah Ngeh’s brothers who back stabbed Uncle Lim and DAP putting DAP in a position that leave them no choice but to accept the PAS candidate to be MB. If not, DAP will be accused of disrespecting the Sultan.
DAP is did the right and sensible thing by compromising and forcing itself to work with PAS and putting Peoples’ Interest, Peace and Stability above DAP
The real culprit is the bad hearted ‘hock chew’ fellow who are power crazy.
It is not the first time they did such things, remember the case of Batu Gajah’s MP where our Uncle Lim became the scapegoat of the Pariah ‘hock chew’ brothers.
#9 by righttoequality on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 11:08 am
First of all, congratulations to DAP and BR for the success in the 12th GE. The people has certainly given an overwhelming mandate especially to DAP in Penang , Perak and Selangor. This is definitely an opportunity for DAP to now carry forth what it has been championing for all these while.
As the party begins to lay the groundwork, one begins to wonder why there are so many recent issues being brought up by the party leader like an opposition despite DAP being state government in Penang, Perak and Selangor? Maybe MSM also has a big hand in the misinterpretation, but undoubtedly there’s a lot of hardwork for DAP in the road that lies ahead.
Given this mandate, it is hoped that DAP start working towards fulfilling its promise and also winning the support of bumis not only in Penang but nationwide. Do remember that everyone will be watching intently what DAP delivers for the next 4 years.
So far, DAP’s support comes mainly from non-bumis. If there are bumi votes, it’s only due to the tie-up with PKR and PAS as BR.
Some questions remain…
Will DAP garner strong support in non-bumi areas in the next GE?
Will there be bumi reps in DAP party lineup?
Is DAP contented on representing non-bumi areas only?
Non-bumis will always remain the minority in Malaysia , hence basing on these votes alone is definitely insufficient if DAP has plans to grow into a party to be reckoned with. Will the party components of BR restrictedly champion each racial component just the same as BN? While we see a more multiracial lineup within PKR, there is much less in DAP and PAS. Please think of long term. While many things could not be changed immediately and would best not to be changed overnight, DAP has this one chance to work towards it. So be patient.
(1) First, uproot corruption and inequality in each constituency and state.
(2) Next, consider building DAP into a multiracial party.
(3) Win the respect of all races so that DAP can shed it’s image of being a Chinese party.
(4) Together with BR, defeat BN by gaining 2/3 majority in the next GE.
Then DAP shall have a stronger mandate to change things, even state legislation is not impossible.
Yours truly,
For an equal Malaysia, My 2cents’ worth of opinion.
#10 by Cinapek on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 11:17 am
Dear YB,
I salute you. Winston Churchill once said:
“The price of Greatness is Responsibility”. You took responsibility for your actions and that is a sign of greatness.
I hop HRH understands the reason and motive behind your statements and have accepted your apology.
#11 by otyew on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 11:43 am
dear YB,
it takes a great courage to admit own fault and apologize, especially for a man. u will always have my respect. carry on the great job, ok?
#12 by ahoo on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 1:01 pm
Dear YB Kit,
Thank you for the legacy that you have had created ! I’d admired your courage and have since learned of your wisdom. Leaders must manage change. Things will constantly change whether we like it or not. Unless we manage the change, we may not like the changes.
Many peoples had spoken against your stand on the selection of pas rep’s as MB of Perak then and the fear of BN taking control again if the DPP coalition were to fail, triggers their outburst. Thus, the unending cries for you to toe the line. Your humility is strength in facing such a hostile crowds. I respect you for your stand against islamisation which is against the constitution and hope that the new MB of perak will look beyond the call of duty.
You are indeed a great politician and Malaysians are really blessed to have someone like you who truly stand his ground for democracy sake. I believe that greater things are in store for this country in the years ahead as Malaysians begin to tread the path of reconciliation amongst the races. Only in unity can we bring success to this nation and the principle of sharing is to be cultivated with sincerity without any poor being left behind.
A great nation is one that even the poor can be proud of as afterall we all have the same human gene and the image of our maker without being colour sensitive. Do continue to share your political wisdom with the newbies and teach them not to seek only after new knowledge as wisdom and experience of the past will be the greatest teacher of us all.
#13 by ahoo on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 1:18 pm
YB Lim,
I am glad all went well with the swearing-in of the Perak MB.I think the Ngeh and Nga will have to be told what to do.If I am not mistaken Fong had some problems with them before the election.
BN lost Perak because they thought no one could shake them. Hopefully the Ngeh and Nga will not have the same idea. lbl says :
Dear lbl,
Please do not trust what you read in the MSM. It can only report what the master wants and are all out to discredit DAP and others.
YB Kit, is such an experienced politician that I believe he knows what is good for Perak DAP per se. The challenge to walk the talk has just begun and all eyes will be on the states run by coalition parties and they cannot fail. Showcase it to the world that their power sharing concept is better than the BN’s, divide and rule.
Thus, leave the political issues to the politicians and let’s us learn to share our knowledge by blogging responsibly. Tq
#14 by happyguy on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 2:25 pm
All the best to Barisan Rakyat (BR).
So sorry for all the Being Naive (BN).
#15 by mchoice2008 on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 3:25 pm
PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa has clarified that his statement on
the party taking over the Government at the federal level was taken out
of context.
“I mentioned that we are hopeful of taking 30 more parliamentary seats to
win power and not about forming an Islamic Government,” he said
—————————————————————-
Lee Wang Yen, you happily and selectively took NST and STAR reports to support your arguments.
Our best guess is that you are still a PHD student, possibly doing some research in religion or so.
It looks like you are more concerned with your own arguments and research topics than really thinking of some PRACTICAL and IMPLEMENTABLE ways to move Malaysia to a BETTER Malaysia.
Be more humble, and be more practical. The world is definitely much more diverse than what you could see from your research topics.
#16 by rw on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 3:30 pm
I am a staunch supporter of DAP for its firm stand in national issues and sacrifices made by the leaders thus far. As much as I am pleased with the formation of the coalition government in Perak, the chapter in Selangor does not leave much to be desired when I read the news this morning. DAP central committee has nominated Ms.Teresa Kok over Mr.Teng Chang Kim as the deputy CM. I has been plagued by the appointment of Selangor’s deputy CM for the past one week. I do not see the rationale of appointing Ms.Teresa Kok as the deputy when she at the same time has to take care of both Parlimentary and state seats whereas Mr.Teng Chang Kim clearly stands out among the DAP state assemblymen, he has been four terms state assemblyman with proven track record. He played such a vital role in the state assembly when he spoke out againt malpractices, unjustice, corruption and cronicism for the residents of Klang . He has gained so much respect and support throughout his tenure as an assemblyman for his integrity and capability. If the selection of the deputy CM by DAP central committee is not based on meritocracy and the capacity of the respective candidate but merely due to favouritism, the damage done on the party is unbearable and it hurts many supporters of DAP like me. Does DAP still care about the voice of a rakyat ( I believe there are many more out there) who have pledged support for Mr. Teng?
#17 by drselva on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 3:41 pm
Congrates! Congrats! Congrats! to all those who made this day come true! Now that BR has won this SILVER state (Perak), please proof to the others that you can revert back this state to among the No:1s in Malaysia, like in the past. We are far behind in development. We need our AIRPORT to be renovated as requisted by AIRASIA, soon. We have the best and understanding SULTAN. With his guidiance and blessings you can bring this poor neglected PERAK alive again. May GOD bless all.
#18 by St0rmFury on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 - 4:18 pm
Actually mchoice2008, Lee Wang Yen is a Cambridge graduate.
#19 by neorakyat on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 - 1:57 am
Well done Kit. I was absolutely digusted with your arrogant and poorly timed outburst. I have expected much more from u. Such silly rhetorics are the last thing we need after this watershed election. I hope this is not a precursor of things to come under Opposition rule.
You have 4 years.
#20 by as.i.see.it on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 - 2:13 am
I agreed with you, NewDAP.
Something fishy with the 2 Ngeh/Nga.
Firsly, with Fong (Batu Gajah MP) and then greed of power by not following DAP central mandate on selection of MB. Getting a deputy MB better than nothing, only he knows???
#21 by Lee Wang Yen on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 - 3:53 pm
Politics and religion are not my PhD research.
I’m a philosopher of science.
#22 by Lee Wang Yen on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 - 4:09 pm
I did use some of the excerpts from various souces (BBC, Times, PAS website materials etc) to support some of my arguments, as shown in my posts. BUT I did not use that particular NST online report for any argument.
#23 by Lee Wang Yen on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 - 4:22 pm
Note that insofar as the NST report relating to Husam’s statement does not prove anything, the Star report of Husam’s clarification does not prove anything either.
On this specific matter of Husam’s statement about PAS’ prospective win and the establishement of Islamic state in Malaysia, we have a claim and a counter-claim from two newspapers. Without further evidence, we do not know whether Husam has or has not made this claim.
However, please note that this applies only to this specific claim made by Husam.
The previous excerpts from diverse sources cited in my arguments to show that PAS is still committed to Islamic State and Islamisation are not adversely implicated by this specific case.
#24 by philip vyti on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 - 5:45 pm
Well done Uncle Lim. This is a beginning of a new era.We waited for it for so long. Don’t just throw it awayr
#25 by Lee Wang Yen on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 1:37 am
opps…establishment…
#26 by standfair on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 12:41 pm
I opined that whether DAP leaders choose to wear the Songkok or not, we should understand and support. The meanings come with the frame we put on the songkok which must move with the zeitgeists of the time. If we elect you as leaders, we should let you decide confident that you know why you do it or need to change approach.
#27 by malar on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 2:43 am
Dear Uncle Lim
Please comment on the article in NST dated March 4 “DAP yet to lift off, says astronau’. The National astronaut Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar took a swipe at the DAP which he said was still unsuccessful in launching their “rocket”. He said the opposition party’s “rocket” had been on its launch pad since 1969 but the Barisan Nasional only took a few years to send a mission to space. I think he has become so arrogant and what has he got to say now for the great win of DAP. He should be grateful that he was selected and despite the comments received like he was only a tourist passenger in the speace station. The person who invented rocket or the first person to launch the space station will not boast like him. God is great and he should eat his own words.
#28 by Malaysian Hypocrite on Saturday, 22 March 2008 - 8:42 pm
I would say bravo to Berita Harian for being the only newspaper to highlight Lim Kit Siang’s apology to the Sultan of Perak on March 18, 2008. I went around asking friends who read various papers and below is the summary of papers that covered the story (and not) based on their input.
Featured
1. Berita Harian – Yes, Main, Pg 1
No Apology
2. Guang Ming Daily
3. Sin Chew Daily
4. NanYang Siang Pau
5. China Press
6. Kosmo
7. Harian Metro
8. Utusan Malaysia
9. The Malay Mail
10. New Straits Times
11. The Sun
12. The Star
#29 by ZhouYu on Saturday, 22 March 2008 - 11:49 pm
Seems like the same thing is about to happen in Terengganu according to http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/80256
#30 by Old Geezer on Monday, 24 March 2008 - 9:42 pm
It appears from the official group photo of the new Selangor Exco, all the Chinese men from DAP wore songkok. Good for them.
See, it is not that difficult but goes a long way to show respect for royal protocol.