KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang has the “same rank” as former PAS spiritual leader, the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claims sarcastically.
The former premier said this was because both were awarded the Tan Sri title.
Dr Mahathir also said the Tan Sri title awarded to Lim meant that the DAP veteran had contributed equally to the nation as Nik Abdul Aziz.
“His (Lim) contributions to the country cannot be compared to others. He is of the same rank as Nik Aziz,” said Dr Mahathir during a press conference in Cheras here on Tuesday (June 6).
Dr Mahathir was speaking to the press after a closed-door meeting on the roundtable negotiations of the Malay Proclamation, which was attended by several top leaders, such as PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, Tan Sri Annuar Musa and Tan Sri Noh Omar.
Putra president Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who was also present, claimed he was not impressed with Lim’s Tan Sri title.
Also present during the event was Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and former Parti Bangsa Malaysia president designate Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
On Monday (June 5), in conjunction with the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, 26 individuals were bestowed the “Tan Sri” title, among them were Lim, Nik Abdul Aziz, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, and Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Asked by a reporter regarding an ongoing investigation towards a recent remark against the Malay Rulers, Dr Mahathir defended his statement saying that he was merely stating facts.
“In the past, the Malay Rulers sold off land because they had no money,” said Dr Mahathir.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir also said the Malay Proclamation was well-received by the public.
“Many people were trying to sign it (Malay Proclamation),” he added.
Dr Mahathir said he was confident that the Malay Proclamation would garner over one million signatures by the end of this year.
“This proclamation is to explain to Malays who are unaware about their issues that could make them poorer and and more vulnerable (in future),” added Dr Mahathir.
On June 2, the police questioned Dr Mahathir at the Yayasan Al-Bukhary under Section 124B of the Penal Code for alleged activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
The police said that Dr Mahathir was probed over remarks containing elements of contempt towards the Malay Rulers and the Malay Proclamation.
In a recent video, the nonagenarian was heard speaking at a private function, saying that the Malays cannot rely on the Malay Rulers to protect them.
Dr Mahathir also purportedly said that he has no respect for the Rulers.
