Kit Siang: Pakatan Harapan must not be seen on a path of revenge

PETALING JAYA: The Pakatan Harapan Government must not be perceived by the public as embarking on a path of revenge as it seeks to expel top executives from government-linked companies (GLCs) and the civil service, DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang said. 

“It has been said that before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves – one for the victim, and one for yourselves. This is a warning not to embark on a path of  revenge as you can kill the other but you will end up also killing yourself," said Lim.

“Pakatan cannot be seen or perceived to be embarking on any  journey of vengeance or vindictiveness embraced and practised by the Barisan Nasional government,” he added in a statement on Monday (July 2). 

Lim said that there are also many people in the civil service and GLCs who are honest and dedicated to their work. 

“Lines must be drawn clearly so that the Pakatan Harapan Government is incapable of being suspected of embarking on a journey down the slippery slope of a whole-scale witch-hunt,” he said.

“We cannot tar everyone with the same brush,” he added. 

Lim said that the Government must ensure that the public won’t perceive its plans to purge top executives from GLCs and government agencies as an attempt to replace them with individuals aligned with Pakatan.

“Pakatan is different and has to show that it is different from Barisan,” he added. 

At the same time, Lim also said the newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers must be humble, down-to-earth, approachable, hardworking, clean, honest, and be role models of service to the people and the nation. 

Lim reminded Malaysians that Pakatan had promised to get rid of political favouritism and victimisation when it came into power. 

“Malaysians have witnessed how the previous Barisan regime abused its power to the extent that innocent people – many of whom are today in Government – were victimised," said Lim.

He added that many others became collateral damage just because they happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Citing Nelson Mandela’s experience in re-uniting post-apartheid South Africa, he said Malaysia deserved reconciliation between the Government and the people. 

“We have to uncover the truth, not seek vengeance but to allow us to better build a bright future for our children and grandchildren, without regard to race, culture, religion or language,” he added.