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A true Malaysian son
Speech
by
Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew
(Kuala Lumpur,
Wednesday):
Puan Pendik was heart-broken
when she learned that her 15-year-old granddaughter was locked up by the
Malaysian police, and there is no one there to help her.
Not a single UMNO or MCA leaders she met was willing to lend
a helping hand simply because of rumors of involvement at the highest
levels.
But Puan Pendik was not giving up. She knew there was someone
in the DAP who could help her save her loved one.
She went to see Lim Guan Eng, who was then the MP for Kota
Melaka and DAPSY National Chief.
As a responsible Member of Parliament, Guan Eng stood up
without any hesitation, to defend the rights of the Malay girl. He
immediately brought Puan Pendik to meet up with her grand daughter at the
police lock up in Bukit Aman. And he decided to go all out to save the girl
from the police custody.
He has also decided to highlight the injustice of the police
detaining the girls whilst allowing her rapists to go scot-free. Eventually
none of the rapists who pleaded guilty of statutory rape went to prison.
A series of public forums titled "Kisah Benar" were organized
by DAPSY and DAP in Melaka, Petaling Jaya and other major towns.
The whole nation was stunned by the scandal. There were
resignations and convictions of the rapists but the girl remained detained.
And the man who stood up to defend human rights had paid an
even greater price. The whole episode had unfortunately turned out be a case
of "Pembela dipenjarakan. Penjenayah dibebaskan".
Guan Eng became a victim of selective persecution. He was
charged under the Seditions Act and Printing and Publications Act exposing
himself to imprisonment, disqualification as a MP, and loss of all his civil
and political rights.
The party has launched a nationwide "Sympathy, Support and
Solidarity with Lim Guan Eng" campaign. We want justice for Guan Eng. We
want Justice for All.
Many Malaysians responded positively to the campaign.
The case has attracted the attention of the foreign press and
the international community. But the powers that be wanted to punish Guan
Eng.
He was eventually sentenced to jail for 18 months on 25
August 1998.
After losing his freedom for a long full year, Guan Eng was
greeted by thousands of Malaysians made up of all races when he stepped out
of the Kajang Prison on 25 August 1999.
They were there to express their greatest support to Guan
Eng. Many have regarded Guan Eng as Anak Malaysia, a true Malaysian son.
Some even viewed him as Wira Negara, a national hero.
But in real cruelty, Guan Eng was stripped off his political
and civil rights for 5 years.
He has lost all his gratuity and pensions as a member of
parliament.
He was barred from standing for public office in general
elections.
He was also barred from holding any position in a political
party or any organization.
He has lost practically everything, except love and
encouragement from his family.
And the respect and support from millions of fellow
Malaysians.
And these were the very strength that drives Guan Eng to
continue serving the people without an official position over the last few
years.
August 25, 2004 marks the historic return of Guan Eng to
active politics. He has now regained his full political and civil rights as
a Malaysian.
The trials and tribulations have only made Guan Eng stronger
as a person. He is now ready to contribute even more to the people and the
nation.
Together with other DAP leaders
who were fighting arm in arm with him through thick and thin over the years,
Malaysians can certainly count on the DAP to stand up for their rights, and
for greater justice, freedom and democracy for the country.
Welcome back, Guan Eng.
(25/8/2004)
* Ronnie Liu
Tian Khiew, DAP national publicity secretary
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