YOURSAY | ‘Apologies are a dime a dozen, easily available at any ‘pasar malam’.’

'Ex-Umno reps must admit to abetting 1MDB scandal first'

Jeez: Dear DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, I have the most respect for you but in this case, I beg to differ.

Two main points: firstly, we the populace do not want to see the decimation of a credible opposition.

Without checks and balances, the government in power will descend into the excesses of the past. Even though the opposition is racist and has religious bigots, they will serve the purpose of checks and balances which is one of the pillars of a truly democratic system.

Secondly, bringing in these corrupted politicians who have for decades been driven by power or wealth will make all the promised reforms near impossible. They will bring in the "warlords" again.

Once entrenched, they cannot be easily removed; Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad can testify to that.

As it is, Pakatan Harapan already has its hands full trying to implement reforms. From the political angle, you may see the advantage of accepting them, but from the rakyat's position, we don't want to regress to those dark days of the past.

We have a golden opportunity here to make Malaysia great again. Do we want to throw away this opportunity for political expediency?

Vijay47: Apologies are a dime a dozen, easily available at any pasar malam (night market). And reading from a prepared script of contrition is as easily achieved. If merely saying “I am sorry” wiped the slate clean, Malaysian heaven would be overflowing with Umno saints.

Alas for the wannabes, that quality that droppeth as the gentle rain comes with a mean small print.

To the hordes now falling at Mahathir’s feet suddenly aware how innocently naïve they were in being led astray, it must be pointed out that 1MDB and the unending list of financial and other abuses that Umno excels in did not arise overnight; they had been there for countless years.

Yet every single one of these desperate opportunists did not even once condemn such activity. On the contrary, they were unconditionally, fervently, supportive of then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and all that he surveyed; they did not have a disapproving comment even on his wife Rosmah Mansor’s excesses.

The only reason they now plead for forgiveness is that the gallows await, the hangman calleth.

Yes, how profoundly divine to speak of that forgiveness, to forget the past, but some matters have to be attended to first.

All those who had committed criminal acts must face the full fury of the law, and when they finally emerge from Sungai Buloh, they can apply again to join Harapan if they are so inclined.

In the meantime, throw the book, the whole damn book at them.

Caripasal: I just could not believe Lim said this. It seems like Mahathir has been successful in brainwashing many people, including the most seasoned politician.

Is 1MDB the only mistake committed by Umno for the past 61 years, Lim? How about those racist policies?

The criterion set by Lim – that is, admitting they were wrong in supporting the 1MDB scandal - is truly laughable.

To a huge majority of Harapan supporters, the biggest mistake of Umno is racism. 1MDB is way down the list.

Lim is purely giving a very convenient excuse for Umno MPs to jump ship. From his statement, he is clearly giving his consent to Bersatu to accept rubbish. I cannot see how DAP is not MCA.

FellowMalaysian: Lim showed both sagacity and magnanimity in his opinion on how former Umno leaders who had recently jumped ship could be accepted into the folds of Harapan’s leadership.

First, there must be expressions of remorse and regret by these coteries that they have erred and done wrong under Umno.

In particular, they should admit they have abetted in activities related to 1MDB. They must now prove that jumping ship is not an act of opportunism by displaying integrity of a high degree.

I think Lim has mellowed down much in recent years, and I believe this is good for New Malaysia.

Appum: I don't think Lim wants power. I think he wants peace for the country. That is his priority and I think people should not condemn him too quickly.

Malaysia4All: Lim is correct. These former Umno members must not just repudiate Umno, but they must also make it crystal clear that they sincerely apologise for their support of a blatant kleptocrat despite all the evidence around them. Give us a good reason why you can now be believed.

However, most importantly, any one of them who have received gratification from corrupt practices must not be allowed to be part of Harapan; in fact, they have to be prosecuted with the full force of the law.

Kader: Lim, we know your intentions are for the good of the country. But these party-hoppers are nothing but opportunists. Just look at their past history.

There is no redeeming quality in their character as can be seen in the obstacles they heaped on the then-opposition. These people are just being rewarded for something that can never be forgiven.

YTMQ: Lim, it is not about making mistakes. It is about democracy. People voted for Umno to be in opposition. Period.

If any of them aided and abetted in 1MDB, then it is for MACC and the Attorney-General’s Chambers to deal with it.

Cyclonus: I can't believe Harapan leaders are actually considering adulterating themselves with Umno has-beens after they've lost the election.

Why do we even need them? How does it help support the Harapan manifesto? I can see more damage done with the influx of these cretins.

These people only think of transactions. For everything they do, they expect a return. And like any ‘monkey see, monkey do’, society, if the lower rungs see easy money exchange hands for favours in lieu of proper due process and merit, then it's a good chance this culture will propagate.

No. These people had a chance to right what was wrong under the previous regime, but they chose themselves.

Who is to say they won't do the same if they are in Harapan? Who is to say all these has-beens in Harapan won't band together to corrupt Harapan for their own self-serving wants?

Don't let this Trojan horse into Harapan fortress.

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