Kit Siang’s motive for debate criticised

KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong has said the invitation by DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang to have a face-to-face discussion with Barisan Nasional on current issues, was not sincere.

He said if Lim wanted to talk to the Barisan top leadership, he should have made a formal written request instead of announcing it in the media.

“He could have given us more time if he really intended to have the discussion and save the nation instead of fixing a deadline for us to reply,” Mah told a press conference at Gerakan headquarters yesterday.

He added that Lim’s intention was to distract people from the issues his party was facing.

“One minute Lim says he is willing to work with PAS. But when there is criticism on this, he will change his words and say he is willing to work with anyone.

“I strongly feel that it is all a show and I am confident that for the upcoming election, DAP will work with PAS, considering both parties have worked together in the previous two elections,” he said.

Mah declined to say if he would meet Lim if the DAP leader invited him personally.

Lim had earlier said he is prepared to meet MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Mah, as well as other senior Barisan leaders within 72 hours, to discuss how to “purge and cleanse Malaysia of the infamy and ignominy” of being regarded worldwide as a kleptocracy.

Although Liow has yet to respond to the invitation, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has asked Lim to provide clarification on several matters.

“Firstly, Lim must clarify who is DAP willing to cooperate or work with? Is it Pakatan Harapan, PAS, MCA or Gerakan?

“Secondly, Lim must also provide clarification on who he is representing... Pakatan Harapan, DAP or himself? It is only when he is able to provide clarification that he can talk about saving the nation,” Wee said in a statement.