Guan Eng says no party can rule alone, not even DAP

DAP will continue serving as a responsible member of Pakatan Harapan as no party can rule Malaysia by itself, party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said today. 

Addressing delegates at the DAP National Conference, Lim pointed out that the party's showing in the 2008 general election – in which it captured five states – was a result of its cooperation with then-opposition front Pakatan Rakyat.

"DAP wishes to be a partner in power not for the sake of power, not for money, not for self-gratification, but for a better Malaysia that we can all be proud of, on behalf of the people and for the people, inspired by shared ideals of social democracy.

"DAP has been very clear that we will only be in power through coalition-building, as well as being a responsible coalition partner. 

"No party can rule alone in Malaysia," he stressed in his speech.

'A just leader'

Recalling the now-defunct Pakatan, Lim also paid tribute to the late PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, hailing him as a just and moderate Muslim leader.

Lim said that Nik Aziz embraced both Muslims and non-Muslims, unlike some leaders today whom he accused of engaging in "racist and extremist" politics.

"When he was together with us in Pakatan, he fought the extremist factions, the racist factions, which tried to destroy the alliance. 

"It was because of Nik Aziz that Pakatan managed to continue, and via the current Harapan, we won the federal government.

"We have to remember the contribution (made) by someone with a moderate political view, and who could accept not only non-Muslims, but also non-Malays. Unlike now, where they play racist and extremist politics only," he said.

Lim also praised Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, among the Harapan leaders present at the conference, as carrying on Nik Aziz's legacy.

"We have to say well done to Nik Aziz, and based on his legacy, Mohamad Sabu and our friends who made a huge sacrifice to leave PAS and form Amanah, despite being attacked repeatedly," he said.

Nik Aziz, who passed away at the age of 84 in February 2015, was often credited as one of Pakatan' uniting forces, who smoothed out the differences between PAS and DAP.

He was also known for his stand against any formal collaboration between PAS and Umno. 

After the 14th general election, PAS has since moved to cooperate with the former ruling party.

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