(Photos from blogger friend Romerz)
I remember during one devastating evening following the announcement of the election results in Penang, Lim Kit Siang lost his Parliamentary seat. I have forgotten which year, but for those who have good memory will attest that. I was at the Esplanade where the results were announced. Of course all the DAP supporters were very disappointed. While I was walking back, I was surprised to see Uncle Lim walking away as well. I will always remember this incident because it was surprisingly quiet along the dimly lit street. I think there was no one else except for me and Uncle Lim in front of me. I felt a chill down my spine. A feeling of great honour to "meet" him in person, and the horror of why he was being ALONE. Where were all his close supporters?? Being by nature a very shy person, I did not approach him to shake his hands , but just let the opportunity slide away. It was one of my greatest regret!!
Now coming back to the DAP dinner last night, it was a world of difference. The centre stage Dragon Dance, Penang's Who Is Who in the business world, and the surprise of the century...Datuk Zaid Ibrahim!!... Yes! Datuk Zaid Ibrahim of UMNO; not a typo error. He not only attended the dinner function, he gave a refreshing speech as well. His main message was that all of us must think as Malaysians first and not our different races. If we can think as Malaysians, we shall progress. With this message, he also told us that since he was now "unemployed" he has been concentrating on his newly set-up Foundation, called "My Future" ("My" for Malaysia) which he would spearhead targeting the young generation to teach them how to resolve problems in a civil and diplomatic manner instead of aggressive retaliation. We wish him all the best.
On the business scenario, well, businessmen are businessmen, just like politicians are politicians. To the politicians there is no such thing as a permanent enemy. To the businessmen there is no such thing as a permanent good political party. Any party that holds sway in the government is a good party. "Yesterday" was Gerakan in Penang, "Today" it's DAP's turn. Every dog has its day! Before March 8, don't ever dream that the Who is Who in the Penang business community can be seen a kilometer near any DAP function. Last night the unthinkable happened! Tan Sri Lim Gaik Tong (of Farlim) sat beside Uncle Lim and together raised arms in "victory"!
When the names of contributors were announced it sent shivers down my spine, maybe my flu was attacking. Names mentioned, like Sunshine (Tun DR Lim Chong Eu is the Chairman), and Hwang DBS (my former employer), struck me.
Well done, Uncle Lim and Saudara Lim Guan Eng!!
By the way what do you think about Datuk Zaid's presence???!!!
Have A Nice Day!!