(Penang, Monday): I do not have very much to say with regard to the latest unfortunate development in DAP-Keadilan relations.
The DAP had been committed to the establishment of the Barisan Alternative on the platform of justice, freedom, democracy and good governance because we want to make a full contribution in the historic political opportunity to end the political hegemony of the Barisan Nasional which is the root cause of the multiple crisis of confidence afflicting the country, usher Malaysia through a new political transition to create a new politics which is not so race-dominated but more issues-centred.
In fact, one important reason why the DAP took an active part in the creation of Barisan Alternative before the 1999 general elections was to shore up Parti Keadilan Nasional so that it could grow into a political force making a positive contribution in the battle for a just, equitable, democratic, prosperous, forward-looking and united Malaysia.
DAP remains committed to the goals which took us into the Barisan Alternative and DAP leaders and members have always been mindful of these objectives despite the problems which have cropped up now and then in bilateral relationships in the Barisan Alternative, as in the recent Lunas by-election.
It is most unfortunate that despite what happened in the Lunas by-election - which fortunately had not prevented a historic Barisan Alternative victory in the by-election - the Barisan Alternative does not seem to have learnt the important lesson that component parties must be ever sensitive and respectful of each other.
Keadilan national leaders are sincere and honourable people, but they
do not seem to know what is happening on the ground, where a lot of “games”
are being played at the state and local levels, especially in the Chinese
media.
I will ask the DAP Central Executive Committee to relieve me from all
Barisan Alternative discussions and meetings affecting DAP-Keadilan
relationship and replacement by another DAP leader as I find such a situation
most disappointing as well as exasperating.
Malaysia is struggling to complete the journey of political transition to a new Malaysia and a new politics, where justice, freedom, democracy and good governance will be enjoyed by all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or political beliefs and where problems and issues are seen not through ethnic lens but from a Malaysian perspective - as for instance the campaign for a New Deal For Mother-Tongue Education in the Eighth Malaysia Plan as well as how Malaysia can be better positioned to face the challenges of the new economy and information society.
I would want to devote more of my time to these great political and nation-building challenges and leave another DAP leader who, together with DAP Secretary-General, Sdr. Kerk Kim Hock, will be responsible for the task of managing DAP-Keadilan relations.
(26/2/2001)