The Malaysian Insight

MALAYSIANS must reset the nation’s policies and tackle the problems faced by the country, said DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang at the launch of a book to commemorate his 55 years in politics.

“In these past few decades, we see excuses and failures, but we must be brave to have dreams for the future generation to continue this struggle,” he said at Theatre Impian in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, today.

Malaysians are individually achieving success in different fields around the world, but at home, the nation remains stagnant, the 80-year-old Iskandar Puteri MP said. 

He mentioned Malaysian contemporary artist Red Hong Yi, who designed the cover of the latest issue of Time magazine, and Lee Zii Jia, who won the All England Badminton Championships.

The book, A Malaysian Artists’ Visual Biography of Lim Kit Siang, is a full-colour coffee table book of artwork depicting the veteran politician’s journey, published by Damansara MP and DAP publicity chief Tony Pua.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who was also present, said the elder Lim, his father, faced “monsters” every decade of his life and managed to slay them one by one.

“He (Lim) has always been capable of adapting to things by himself despite being at the age he is,” said the Bagan MP.

“He is someone who never gives up easily and will do whatever it takes to achieve things.”

Pua, the publisher of the book, said the book commemorates the struggles, sacrifice and success of the man who has dedicated 55 years of his life to Malaysian politics in the pursuit of the Malaysian Dream.

“The full-colour coffee table book showcases 100 pieces of artwork by 80 top Malaysian artists celebrating the life of Kit Siang,” he said.

“With this book, the youth will be reminded of the struggles and fight that Lim made during his early days of politics.

“It is not only a journey of Lim per se but a journey of Malaysia. From our independence, he has been part of that and in terms of racial harmony, fairness and democratic environment, he has always been a part of that.

“That’s why I feel it’s important to know how we arrived here.”

Recently, in conjunction with Lim’s 80th birthday, an art exhibition that celebrates his up-and-down political journey was also held. 

Eighty renowned local artists have contributed 100 pieces of artwork to the Siang project, which was initiated by Theatre Impian, a visual arts gallery to commemorate his birthday.

The gallery is two floors filled with colourful artwork by local artists. Some have used recycled items to draw a portrait while others have painted significant incidents in Lim’s life. – April 25, 2021.