Kit Siang refuses to let 'crown of thorns' pierce New M'sia promise

Two days before Pakatan Harapan celebrates its first anniversary in power, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has made an impassioned plea not to give in to despair.

Lim said this in response to an article in Malaysiakini, where the writer rued the coalition's unfulfilled promises and expressed concern for the future of his children and grandchildren should Harapan fail. 

The writer also noted how the once vociferous Lim is now muted, whereas PKR president Anwar Ibrahim appeared reluctant to step on the toes of the Malays.

"Once more, Malaysia, I cry for you," he wrote.

Read more: New Malaysia: One year on

Despite acknowledging that the glacial pace of change, setbacks and failures could be disappointing, Lim said tears should not be shed for now.

"Let us not cry for Malaysia yet, but work for a New Malaysia and a New Sabah. We do not want to fail. We want to succeed to build a New Malaysia and a New Sabah.

"It has not been a bed of roses but more a crown of thorns," he said in a statement this evening.

The reference to Sabah was in relation to the May 11 by-election for the Sandakan parliamentary seat, which is a DAP stronghold.

Lim said this Saturday's contest should provide the thrust and boost at the start of the second year of Harapan federal government and Warisan-led Sabah government to continue the agenda of change to create a New Malaysia and a New Sabah.

The Iskandar Puteri MP also pointed out to the recent appointments of the new chief justice, Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, and inspector-general of police, Abdul Hamid Bador.

According to him, the two appointments were positive developments in the building of a New Malaysia, in terms of establishing a nation which upholds the doctrine of separation of powers, rule of law and institutional independence and professionalism.

"There has been ups and downs, breakthroughs, setbacks and even failures from the Harapan promises of the last general election.

"But what is most important is whether Harapan remains committed to the promises and agenda for change for a New Malaysia and a New Sabah, and is prepared to learn from our setbacks and failures,” he added.