Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang drew jeers in the Dewan Rakyat today when he congratulated Barisan Nasional (BN) for a 'dishonourable' victory in the Machap by-election.

At the outset of his debate speech, the DAP supremo said: "Before I begin, I would like to express my congratulations to BN for winning the Machap by-election."

"Congratulations! Congratulations on a dishonourable victory! The central government has thrown all its resources to achieve this victory.

"They put forward their full weight to win a state seat election," added the veteran politician to howls of protest from BN MPs.

Last Thursday's Machap by-election in Malacca saw BN candidate Lai Meng Chong sweeping to victory over DAP's Liou Chen Kuang with a 4,081 vote majority.

Ministers 'ponteng'

Ignoring the jeers, Lim went on to criticise ministers and parliamentarians for neglecting their duties to campaign in the by-election.

"There are ministers who ponteng (played truant). Ministers, even the deputy prime minister, showed up at a by-election for a state seat. Of course, they will win. But it was a shameful victory.

"At least have a sense of shame! Where are the MPs? Where does their salary come from? They have spent millions of the national treasury on a state election!" he added.

DAP has complained about the development of roads and projects during the campaigning period running into the millions.

According to the law, campaign expenditure should not exceed RM100,000. In view of this, Lim declared the by-election as illegal.

"They (BN) spent 20, 30 times more than the allocated amount. There is no morality, no legitimacy. Don't misuse power and money and flaunt the rules," he said.

"Must the people have wait for BN candidates to die, only then there will be development?" he asked sarcasticly.