At Kit Siang tribute dinner, Guan Eng dismisses 'Lim Dynasty' claims

Summary

• Lim Guan Eng rejects accusations that his father, Lim Kit Siang, sought to establish a political dynasty, highlighting their history of imprisonment and Kit Siang’s lifelong fight for a better Malaysia.

• Kit Siang recalls being called “kongkam” (stupid) for leaving a job in Singapore to join the opposition, facing two prison terms and decades of struggle, including opposing the 1961 Education Act and witnessing Malaysia’s political shifts.

• The event celebrates Kit Siang’s 84th birthday and his Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri title conferment while also honouring the late Karpal Singh, with his family paying tribute to the revolutionary bond between the two.

DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng dismissed long-standing accusations that his father, party veteran Lim Kit Siang, sought to establish a “Lim Dynasty”, describing it as unfair.

Speaking at a tribute dinner for his father in Penang last night, Guan Eng questioned why critics remained silent on this claim when both he and his father had been imprisoned for their political struggles.

Addressing a packed hall of 95 tables filled with party members, Guan Eng praised his father’s unwavering commitment to Malaysia, emphasising that Kit Siang never sought personal gain but fought only for a stronger and better country.

According to Guang Ming Daily, Guan Eng described Kit Siang as someone who “fights to the end and never backs down”, expecting nothing in return but a stronger, better Malaysia.

He further praised his father for his unwavering dedication to building a better Malaysia, highlighting his steadfast principles, integrity, determination, and courage in the fight for this cause.

He noted that this relentless spirit enabled his father to rise every time he fell - whether it was enduring imprisonment (“eating curry rice”) or facing setbacks - ultimately transforming the DAP from an opposition party into part of the ruling government.

He emphasised that without the contributions of figures like Kit Siang, the late former party chairperson Karpal Singh, and the late Dr Chen Man Hin, a founding member and lifelong adviser of the DAP, the party would not be where it is today, and its leaders would not have had the opportunity to serve as ministers, deputy ministers, or state executive councillors.

Guang Ming Daily also reported Guan Eng’s admiration towards his father’s decision to decline a ministerial position when the DAP joined the government, choosing instead to step aside and give others the opportunity to serve.

He praised his father’s character as unique and called on attendees to give him a round of applause in recognition. As soon as he finished speaking, the audience rose to their feet, giving Kit Siang a thunderous ovation, creating a solemn and moving atmosphere.

Kit Siang was called ‘kongkam’

As the star of the night, Kit Siang reflected on his decades-long political journey, recalling how he gave up a job in Singapore to join the opposition in Malaysia, a decision that led to two prison terms.

According to Oriental Daily, Kit Siang said, at the time, many considered it a foolish move, even calling him “kongkam” (Hokkien for “stupid”).

Kit Siang said that since he entered politics in 1965, he had always fought for his ideals but never expected to witness a change in government.

He recounted key moments in his political career, including the 1961 Education Act, which sought to close Chinese and Tamil streams of primary schools.

He credited the DAP’s strong opposition for ultimately leading to the repeal of the provision, calling it a collective achievement of the party and its members.

The DAP veteran stressed that the 2018 general election served as a wake-up call, reminding people that change does not happen overnight.

He said people’s mindsets cannot shift with just one or two elections but require continuous effort, patience, and persistence.

The event last night also marked Kit Siang’s 84th birthday which falls on Feb 20, as well as celebrates his recent conferment of the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri title by the Penang governor.

With the party’s central executive committee election set to take place in a month, the dinner sparked speculation about its connection to internal campaigning. However, Hui Ying had dismissed such claims as baseless.

‘Jangan main-main’

The event was tinged with nostalgia as one of Kit Siang’s closest comrades Karpal, known as the late “Tiger of Jelutong”, was no longer present.

However, Karpal’s widow Gurmit Kaur, eldest son Jagdeep Singh Deo, and youngest son Ramkarpal Singh attended the celebration.

According to Guang Ming Daily, both Jagdeep and Ramkarpal paid tribute to their father’s deep revolutionary bond with Kit Siang, recalling their shared sacrifices.

Jagdeep even echoed Karpal’s famous warning, “Jangan main-main” (Don’t play around), as a testament to his father’s unwavering principles.

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