Press Statement (2) by Lim Guan Eng in Penang Red Rock Hotel on Sunday, 9^th March 2008: 

DAP hails the historic breakthrough of denying BN its 2/3 majority and the wins by opposition parties in the five states of Penang, Kelantan, Perak, Selangor and Perak as an endorsement for the agenda of change to establish a healthy functioning democracy 

DAP hails the historic breakthrough of denying BN its 2/3 majority and the wins by opposition parties in five states of Penang, Kelantan, Perak, Selangor and Perak as an endorsement for the agenda of change to establish a healthy functioning democracy. DAP hopes that this unexpected victory can be the catalyst to end the one-party rule of BN with a two-party system that offers real alternatives to voters.

DAP recorded its best ever performance since contesting in the 1969 general elections by winning 28 parliamentary seats out of 47 seats contested and at least 72 state seats out of 102 state seats contested. Most importantly, DAP won power for the first time together with PKR in Penang. DAP elected representatives express our gratitude to the voters for the confidence in us and gives our assurance that those elected will serve both inside and outside Parliament or the State Assembly.

DAP was able to win so many seats due to our success in attracting not just non-Malay voters but also winning at least one-third of Malay voters. The success by opposition parties in winning support from a wide spectrum of the Malaysian public has translated to shocking wins in five state governments, especially Penang and Selangor where it appeared that the opposition will enjoy a 2/3 majority.

DAP will co-operate with other opposition parties to form the government in Penang and other states. DAP wishes to emphasis that we will be an inclusive government that represents all Malaysians. No one will be discriminated or victimised even if they had supported the BN. We want to be the government as well as a responsible and constructive opposition in other states for all Malaysians.

DAP will continue to build up on our success in winning Malay votes in significant numbers to win seats we otherwise would not have won. We want to prove that we fight for the interests of all Malays, Chinese Indians, Kadazans and Ibans so long as they are Malaysians. As my personal experience has shown, in 1998 I have gone to prison, lost my civil and political rights, disqualified as a Member of Parliament for fighting for the rights of a Malay girl who was detained even though she was raped. I hope that my experience in fighting for the Malays can be seen as a sign of our commitment to help and uplift the rights and interests for all communities.

The election results yesterday have shown that Malaysians believe in the power of change and desire to be treated as Malaysians first and last. DAP hopes that we can make use of this rare opportunity by all Malaysians to break the racial mould of dividing Malaysians by race in favour of a bangsa Malaysia that ensures political equality, shared prosperity, equal economic opportunity and socio-economic justice.

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* Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General & Chief Minister of Penang