I thank the Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin who in his speech declared his support for naming a road in Ipoh to honour the late P. Patto for his contributions and sacrifices for the welfare of Malaysians in the service of Ipoh, Perak and Malaysia.
Patto was the pioneer warrior of Makkal Sakti who had dedicated his life to “People’s Power” for all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
He was at various times elected as Perak State Assemblyman for Gopeng, MP for Menglembu and MP for Bagan (Penang).
In DAP, he rose to become Deputy Secretary-General and had served as National Organising Secretary, Editor of Rocket and DAPSY National Secretary.
In 1978, he kept me company when we were arrested, charged and convicted under the Official Secrets Act in connection with my expose of the scandal in the purchase of four Swedish-made SPICA-M fast strike crafts by the Royal Malaysian Navy though we effected a RM9 million reduction in the final contract.
In 1987, Patto and I were among DAP MPs who were detained under the Internal Security Act in Operation Lalang and served time in Kamunting Detention Centre.
Other DAP MPs who “graduated” from Kamunting Detention Centre included Karpal Singh, Lim Guan Eng, Dr. Tan Seng Giaw, Lau Dak Kee and the late V. David.
DAP lost an outstanding leader and the people a great Parliamentarian and a true Malaysian son when he suddenly died of a heart failure at the Ipoh General Hospital on 12th July 1995.
Let us fully honour Patto not only in Ipoh but also in other parts of Perak and Malaysia whether by naming a road, a memorial park, a school or a scholarship after him so that his contribution, dedication and sacrifices will forever be an example to future generations.
(Speech at the Perak DAP 5,000-People Solidarity Dinner in Ipoh on Saturday, 27th September 2008)