As the DAP crosses swords with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) in the Sandakan by-election, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang is asking if PBS leader Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, a former minister in the previous federal government, ever spoke up on the 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
“We want to ask Maximus, who was a minister for over nine years (under Najib administration), if he ever objected or raised this issue?
“If he never (did), it would mean his party does not really care for welfare of the people.
“How can his party be trusted?” he said.
According to Lim, there was a time when Malaysians going abroad would be ashamed to declare themselves Malaysian because of the bad reputation associated with the country.
“The whole world knows about the 1MDB scandal, and it was fortunate we changed government last year in May. Or else what would have happened?
“Not just 1MDB, (but) 2MDB, 3MDB,” he said.
Lim said DAP candidate for Sandakan by-election, Vivian Wong, 30, had the potential to not only become a national voice but a figure who could make a mark internationally if the people gave her a chance.
“If she wins, she would be the youngest lady to enter parliament. And we need the young generation to bring changes. But we need to give her a chance,” said the DAP adviser during a ceramah at Kampung Sim Sim futsal court on Tuesday night (April 30).
He said it was unfair for PBS, which is fielding candidate Datuk Linda Tsen, to say Wong was not experienced enough.
“When I first became a Member of Parliament, I was 28 years old. Now I am 78.
“When Linda’s husband passed away (in 2010) she was given the chance to contest, and she won, even though she was a newbie then. She contested once more and retained the seat, but lost it in last year’s 14th general elections.
“So why can’t Vivian be given the same chance that she was given then? he asked.
He added that PBS leader Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili did not voice the concerns of Sabahans when he was a federal minister in the Barisan government.
Lim said DAP and the current government would deliver what was promised, including according Sandakan airport international status when it was expanded. – The Star