Lim Kit Siang
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Lim Kit Siang (born February 20, 1941; Chinese :林吉祥) is a prominent member of the socialist opposition party in Malaysia. He currently serves as the Parliamentary opposition leader in the lower house of Parliament.
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History in DAP
Lim Kit Siang was Secretary-General of the Malaysian Democratic Action Party (DAP) during 1969 to 1999. In 1999 he was elected to become the national chairman of DAP and as such he became the second chairman of the party.
In 2004 he refused re-appointment as the chairman and Karpal Singh was elected to replace him. He was then elected to an advisory role as the leader of a newly created body called the policy and strategic planning commission. His son, Lim Guan Eng is now the current Secretary-General.
Political history
He has served as a member of parliament from 1969 to the present day (2004) representing various seats in Melaka, Petaling Jaya and Penang. He took a 5 year break from parliament between 1999 and 2004 as he lost his seat during the 1999 election.
After successlly clinching a parliamentary seat during the 2004 general elections, he currently represents Ipoh Timor in the lower house of Parliament. He also carries the title of Opposition Leader in Parliament.
Criminal history
Lim Kit Siang was one of the people arrested during "Ops Lalang" in 1987 for inciting racism. He spent some years in Jail under the Internal Security Act, which allows for two years of detention without trial at the pleasure of the Home Minister. This sentence may be extended indefinitely without any avenues for due process or appeal.
External links
- Biographical notes on DAP website (http://www.malaysia.net/dap/lks.htm)
- Lim Kit Siang's Homepage (http://www.malaysia.net/dap/lks-hp.htm)