BE OBJECTIVE, SENG GIAW TELLS VOTERS
Veteran politician touches on being dropped, DAP’s chances and being called a ‘running dog’, writes
EIGHT-TERM Kepong member of parliament Dr Tan Seng Giaw shares his views with New Straits Times Press on the 14th General Election and related issues.
Dr Tan, who turns 76 this year, talks about his relationship with DAP, which has been subject of much speculation after he was dropped from contesting the polls.
Tan, a DAP member since 1979, has been representing the Kepong parliamentary constituency since 1982. The eloquent politician reminded voters to be objective in casting their votes and not be swayed by mere talk and promises.
Question: How do you feel about being dropped as the DAP candidate for Kepong after eight terms?
Answer: The leadership has the right to appoint whoever it wants. After the appointment, there is nothing else to say. As for being disappointed or not, I have been in the area since 1976. Many people helped and supported me, and my majority of more than 40,000 in the last election was the biggest in the country. Many asked me to carry on with my work, but the party leadership has made a decision. I don’t really feel anything because in politics, the vicissitudes are always there and because of that, you need to accept changes, for good or bad.
Q: Given your popularity in Kepong, is there any possibility of a backlash from the voters? A: The voters in Kepong are smart, they can judge. In Kepong, many are Chinese-educated. They are professionals and have traditionally voted for doctors. They hope that you will serve them if they vote for you. I never made any promises. The only thing I said over the years was that, if you vote for me, I would, if necessary, speak out in Parliament.
And I have done that. I try my best (to accommodate) if anyone comes to see me, even if it has nothing to do with my work.
Q: Would you have liked to contest again in Kepong?
A: The people wished for me to go back and not back out. They want me to do more. But the party leadership has chosen.
Q: What is your plan for the future?
A: I will continue to serve the people as I have done since the 1970s. There will be no change. The only change is perhaps I don’t go to Parliament any more. But I will still go to Kepong. I won’t abandon those who supported me. I go there every week and almost daily, especially on Sunday mornings. Many have urged me to stand as an independent candidate.
Q: What’s your take on the decision by DAP to drop its rocket logo? A: It feels strange and awkward to find the rocket logo dropped all of a sudden. Is it really the case that by adopting the PKR logo, DAP can be more appealing to voters? The only time to prove whether it is right or wrong is when the votes are counted. Then, we will see whether it is the case. Let’s see the proof on May 9.
Q: What’s your comment on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad leading the opposition?
A: I had my reservations when I was told to go along with him. His methods may have changed, but his mind is fixed. At 93, I’m not too sure he can change his mindset. The ways can change, from being in the ruling party to the opposition. But the way of thinking, I’m not too sure. Even a 10year-old is difficult to change, let alone a 93-year-old. Don’t come and tell me that. I’m a doctor.
Q: Do you think the opposition is relying on fear-mongering to gain support?
A: There are ways and means of saying things. But on the whole, everything we say must have a basis.
Before we accuse someone of being guilty, we must prove it.
Q: Who do you think will win — Barisan Nasional or the opposition? A: Both sides are making claims. Each side claims to have a fantastic manifesto. But how much money is needed to implement the manifesto?
The voters should make their decisions based on the track record of the government under Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Dr Mahathir. List the good and bad points, then make a decision. Voters need to make an objective decision.
Q: What’s your view on the law against fake news?
A: It is very difficult to implement, from the definition of fake news to territorial issues. We need a special parliamentary committee to look into the implementation. The most important thing is to be fair and seen to be fair.
Q: Do you think your stance on 1Malaysia Development Berhad has cost you the chance to defend your constituency? A: I have heard about this on social media, particularly by Dr Mahathir ’s man, Matthias Chang. Many people called me a ‘running dog’, a traitor, and even insulted my ancestors.
The people of Kepong can read these comments on social media and they can judge for themselves. Time will show who is speaking the truth. Q: Concerning 1MDB, why is it so difficult for your party to accept your findings?
A: Do you want a revolution in Malaysia? I do not. I don’t think you can have a revolution in Malaysia. Since you cannot have a revolution, then you need to have peaceful struggle, what we call ‘constitutional struggle’ through rule of law.
In the rule of law, a person is not guilty until he is proven so by a court of law. When the auditor general’s report came out, I read it many times.
The report is classified under the Official Secrets Act. The chief executive officer of 1MDB made many mistakes.
We have asked for further investigation to find out the truth. But to connect it with anybody else and to say somebody is guilty, you can’t do that. In the rule of law, you need to produce evidence, then we will know the truth.
Q: What is your view on 1MDBrelated investigations in foreign countries?
A: The investigations should go on and the reports of these investigations should be considered. If it is public funds, it should be transparent and accountable. All these countries can do their investigations and let’s have a look at the reports.