DAP: Gov't must reconcile with CPM, as it did Japan

If Malaysia can reconcile with Japan after the atrocities of World War II then the same should be offered the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM).

DAP chairperson said this today in a statement voicing his support for the return of exiled CPM leader Chin Peng.

"The Japanese during the occupation of the country between 1940 and 1945 were guilty of more serious infractions.

"However, diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia were established in 1957 - after 12 years of the surrender of the Japanese in World War II.

"The communists laid down arms in 1989 in Malaysia - 24 years ago.

"This itself is a good reason for the Malaysian government to allow Chin Peng and his other comrades to return to the country in the twilight years of their lives," said Karpal.

He was responding to former Special Branch deputy director Yuen Yuet Leng who was reported yesterday calling on the government to allow Chin Peng and other former CPM members to return.

Yuen was reported saying to the online media, "If we don't reconcile, we lose the peace we're supposed to gain after the war. Isn't peace what we are all looking for after all?"

The SB deputy director believed the nation was now free from the communist threat, and it is important for the nation to move forward.

Karpal meanwhile said, "The Malaysian government should not be stubborn in its stand against the return of Chin Peng ( right ) to the country."

"The time has come for the government to be pragmatic and compassionate and properly see the plight of a senior citizen.

"I am sure the descendants of Malaysians killed during the communist insurgency will have a re-look at the position in the context of the long passage of time which ought to heal the wounds inflicted in the course of the insurgency.

"Time heals and the time has come to forgive." said Karpal.