An article published in Harakah Daily has questioned the absence of media statements from Lim Kit Siang since Penang was hit by devastating flood and landslides.

The writer, Dr Kamarul Yusoff, noted that as far as he could remember, there has been no politician in Malaysia who is as productive as the DAP veteran in churning out media statements.

He added that Lim's “kegilaan” (madness) in issuing media statements was well-known in the Malaysian political circle.

He also recalled how DAP headquarters chief of staff Foo Yueh Chuen, in an article published in the DAP organ Roketkini on Aug 25, disclosed that Lim wrote the media statements himself, sometimes issuing up to three to four statements a day.

Kamarul (photo) also compiled the 21 media statements issued by Lim in the first nine days of October and pointed out that the Gelang Patah MP averaged 2.3 statements per day.

“However, Lim's media statement record, which normally comprises challenges, demands, criticism and responses to political rivals... including PAS, has been badly affected in the first nine days of November where he only issued three statements, averaging 0.3 statements per day,” he said.

Kamarul said since Nov 4 until the evening of Nov 9, there has not been a single media statement from Lim criticising, challenging, demanding or responding to his political foes.

He said the DAP veteran's “silence” has raised numerous questions.

“Is Kit Siang dissatisfied with the Penang state government in managing the flood but is unable to voice this because the (state) government is headed by his son (Lim Guan Eng)?

“Is he worried that the (flood) incident and how it was managed could bring defeat to DAP in Penang but is unable to voice this because he is the DAP adviser?

“Is Kit Siang embarrassed to criticise, demand, challenge and answer his political rivals in a situation where the Penang state government is yearning for help from them (federal government)?

“Is he concerned that his image would be affected if he asks for help or expresses gratitude for the assistance to handle the flood offered by his rivals?

“Let us see how long Kit Siang can remain silent,” he added.