Media Statement by Liew Chin Tong in Georgetown on Wednesday, 19^th August 2009:

The other giant of Asian democratisation

The world has just mourned the passing of former President of the Philippines Mrs. Corazon Aquino. And, we are saddened to learn of the passing of President Kim Dae-jung due to cardiac arrest on Tuesday, August 18.

President Kim has been called “the Nelson Mandela of Asia” for his tireless fight for democratisation in South Korea.

As president, Kim Dae-jung was the architect of the "Sunshine Policy" which engaged communist North Korea. This led to an unprecedented warming of ties between the two states, culminating in a summit held in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, leading the former to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.

Kim was jailed, kidnapped, and almost killed in the course of fighting against authoritarian regimes. His longstanding struggle against repressive authoritarian leaders defined him, making him an inspiration for the generations to come, both inside and beyond Korea.

The DAP regrets the passing of the other giant of Asian democratisation. We are certain that Kim’s spirit will continue to inspire many more to join the movement for a better and more democratic world.

* Liew Chin Tong, DAP International Secretary & MP for Bukit Bendera