Democratic Action Party (DAP) stalwart Lim Kit Siang, celebrated his 64th birthday, which fell on Sunday, in the company of family, friends, fellow politicians and members of the public during the party's Chinese New Year 'open house' yesterday.

Colleagues like Fong Kui Lun, Fong Po Kuan and Teresa Kok and those from opposition ally Parti Keadilan Rakyat - Dr Syed Husin Ali, R Sivarasa and Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor - joined in the celebrations at the party headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

Lim described the occasion as "just another number and another year ahead", but was pleased to have celebrated it with friends and family, especially his three young grandchildren and son, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Notably missing was party head Karpal Singh who was injured in a accident last month.

"It's a pity he could not make it," said Lim, who added that Karpal was making a good recovery.

Detained twice

Lim has been involved in politics for almost 40 years, having started his career in 1966. He became an MP three years later, but was in the political wilderness from 1999-2004 due to electoral losses.

He was detained twice, in 1969 and 1987, under the Internal Security Act, for an 18-month period each time.

Most of those at the open house took the opportunity to shake Lim's hand and take photographs with him.

"He's a very good leader and parliamentarian. His work is meticulous and he speaks for the good of the people all the time. I hope he'll be around in politics for many more years," said one supporter.