DAP: Dr M free to come to our 50th anniversary bash
DAP was asked today if former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad - who signed a Citizens’ Declaration last Friday with representatives from the opposition and civil society - would be attending the party’s national level anniversary celebrations in Penang next week.
Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik laughed, saying: “The invitation is open to all, he (Mahathir) is free to come.”
The questioned was posed at a press conference at the Wisma DAP, as party senior leader Lim Kit Siang was earlier criticised for sitting at the same table with arch-rival Mahathir and other Umno leaders, where all had agreed to a declaration to get rid of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and institute reforms to “save Malaysia”.
Lim was also accused of - and has since denied - being a "hypocrite" for working with Mahathir, who had given the order to imprison him as well as other social and political activists in the 1987 Operasi Lalang.
DAP is expected to explain this new development when the party celebrates its national and state 50th anniversary in Penang on March 19 - a day after its official anniversary date - at the Wisma DAP along Jalan Rangoon, 11am.
The theme for this year’s mega-celebration is ‘The struggle continues (not only for the last 50 years, but the next 50 years as well)’.
Ng noted that Penang was chosen as the host to the event as the state is ruled by DAP.
“We hope to expand from here, to make Penang a role model, showcase our achievements and capabilities to attract more supporters to make a change for the coming election,” Ng told reporters today.
“Penang has a very important significance for DAP, and that is why the national launch is held here,” he added.
Meanwhile, state DAP secretary Lim Hui Ying said it would not be easy to have such a massive event, but that the party will be forging ahead with it.
DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, along with Gelang Patah MP Kit Siang, will also be giving speeches.
Hui Ying said the party has also invited party veteran Dr Chen Man Hin to grace the event.
“There will be an exhibition on the history of Penang and the Rocket’s publication from its first issue until now,” Hui Ying said at a press conference today.
“The exhibition will be open from March 21 to 25 for public viewing, and our staff will be stationed to explain the exhibits to the people,” she emphasised.
Hui Ying said the party will organise a series of programmes - which include a fundraising dinner in September, a walk, and forums on the island and mainland.
She pointed out that DAP’s allies, PKR and Parti Amanah Negara, will be invited to participate in the event as well.
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