Lim Kit Siang: Possible To Deny BN's 2/3 Majority

IPOH, MALAYSIA: A strong and powerful wind of change is now blowing in the country and many people turned out at Democratic Action Party's (DAP) rallies held in various states with enthusiastic response and generous donations, said the party's Central Policy and Strategic Planning Commission Chairman Lim Kit Siang.

Lim said it is not easy for the opposition to deny Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition's two-third majority on the polling day but as a strong wind of change is now blowing, the goal is possible.

Lim said in a press conference Thursday (5 Mar) that thousands of people turned out at the party's rallies in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak in the past three days, and the turnout in Penang was encouraging.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad predicted that BN coalition will win 70% to 75% parliamentary seats in this elections. If he is correct, then the opposition may gain 55% to 65% of seats, which is beyond the existing 21 seats, said Lim.

“Mahathir also said that our country needs the opposition as it is like a mirror that reflects the government. It would be a 'disaster' if we lose the opposition voices like Singapore,” added Lim.

Lim believed Mahathir has finally understood that the opposition plays an important and constructive role in developing a vibrant Parliament in a democratic country. But does Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi agree with Mahathir and openly admits that the opposition is playing a significant role in building a healthy democratic system? (Sin Chew Daily)