While PKR grills Hassan, foundation fetes him

PKR MP Hassan Abdul Karim, who has just been summoned before his party’s disciplinary committee, is announced as one of the winners of the 37th Lim Lian Geok Spirit Award for 2024.

The only politician among five who won, Hassan was awarded for his principled stance on current issues and for fearlessly speaking unpopular truths.

“As a government backbencher, he has consistently adhered to principles, defended justice, resisted populism, upheld the rule of law, and, when necessary, stood against the tide, exposing hypocrisy.

“His speeches are like a clarion call for awakening. In his political career, Hassan seeks neither fame nor fortune, showing unyielding integrity and selflessness, a rarity in Parliament,” the Lim Lian Geok Spirit Award Selection Committee said.

The committee said it was Sunway University political scientist Wong Chin Huat who nominated Hassan for the award.

Malaysiakini reported earlier today that the Pasir Gudang MP will face PKR’s disciplinary board for criticising the appointment of U Mobile as the country’s second 5G network provider.

The Lim Lian Geok Spirit Award recognises those who have made significant contributions to the promotion of national culture and mother-tongue education.

Its evaluation criteria included organisational development, social advocacy, community service, academic contributions, cultural development, and support for vulnerable groups.

Standing fast against the tide

In a video clip provided by Wong during the announcement, he said Hassan’s recognition carried two important implications.

“The first is a recognition of his courage in opposing populism, racism, and religious extremism, and his unwavering defence of justice, human rights, multiparty democracy, and the rule of law.

“The second significance is as a role model for government backbenchers,” he added.

Wong added that in Malaysia, holding the government accountable is a shared responsibility of both the opposition and backbenchers, though the latter are often misunderstood as being merely government supporters.

However, Hassan broke this stereotype, courageously criticised the government and fulfilled his duty of oversight, Wong said.

The other winners are Japanese scholar Nobuyoshi Takashima, teacher Twang King Hung@Chuang Keng Kung, teacher Tan Eng Thong @Tan Lip Thong, and dancer and choreographer Wong Kit Yaw.

The committee added that the majority of the nominees for the award this year were in the education profession, but also included businesspeople, chess enthusiasts, scholars, former officials, and retired professors.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for Dec 15, to be held at Confucian Private Secondary School in Kuala Lumpur.

Migrant worker quota abuse: It's time to resolve this, says PKR MP

No point allocating billions for food security when local rice still scarce: MP

Don't waste time like Democrats courting Republicans, Hassan tells Harapan

5G licence: Return of the 'mahakaya' crony capitalists, PKR MP says

Suspended, fired - will action be taken against regent's escort, DAP MP asks

Strange things are happening - PKR MP at poetic crossroads