(Speech by eldest daughter of Lim Guan Eng, Rachel Lim on Lim Kit Siang’s 75th Birthday celebrations at the Equatorial Penang on 20 Feb 2016)
My name is Rachel Lim Shay Wan and I am the eldest of Grand Dad Kit Siang’s seven grandchildren. On their behalf, I wish my Grand Dad “Happy Birthday – May you deservedly enjoy a happy, loving, long lasting healthy life!”
We do not know what to give you for your 75th birthday present because you have never cared for material gifts.
If you have, you would not have gone to prison twice or deprived yourself or suffer the painful trauma of seeing your own son, my Dad, go to prison twice.
That is why we never begrudged you when you did not shower us with rich material gifts, when you have nothing yourself.
You gave us the greatest gift that any person can give – your sterling example of how to be a good and principled person, and your unquestioning love and support for your family.
We know that no matter how bad the situation or gloomy the times, you will always be there to support and love us.
Love is always stronger than hate. You lived as you loved, not hating your enemies or those who harmed your family.
We hope to repay back your gift by living in your footsteps – with love and compassion.
I want to thank my Kung Kung for taking care of me for the first 18 months of my life.
I was told that he was the only one who could make me stop crying. I believe I am not the only one.
For Kung Kung not only made me stop crying but he made many Malaysians stop crying in despair.
That is perhaps his greatest gift to Malaysians – that he made many stop crying in despair.
Thank you Kung Kung, we love you. Always.