Eight-term Kepong Member of Parliament Dr Tan Seng Giaw shares his views with NSTP on the coming 14th General Election and related issues. Dr Tan, who is turning 76 this year, also talks on his relationship with DAP which has been subjected to much speculation after he was dropped from contesting in 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 talks and promises.
1. How do you feel about being dropped as the DAP candidate for Kepong after eight terms?
The leadership has the right to appoint whoever they want. After the appointment, there is nothing else to say. As for being disappointed or not, I have been in the area since 1976. There are many people who helped and supported me, and my majority of over 40,000 in the last election was the biggest in the country. Many of them 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 and for bad.
2. Given your popularity in Kepong, is there any possibility of a backlash from the voters?
The voters in Kepong are very smart people, they can judge. In Kepong, many are Chinese educated. They usually are professionals and in Kepong, they have traditionally voted for doctors. They hope that you will sincerely serve them if they vote for you. I never made any promises. The only thing I said over the years is that, if you vote for me, I will, 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.
3. If it was up to you, would you have liked to have given it another try in Kepong?
The people wished for me to go back and not back out. They want me to do more. But the party leadership has chosen.
4. Concerning 1MDB, why is it so difficult for your party to accept your findings?
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 or she is proven so by a court of law. When the Auditor General’s report came out, I read it many times.
The report is kept under OSA. The CEO 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.
5. What is your view on 1MDB related investigations in foreign countries?
The investigations should go on, and the report of these investigations should be considered. If it is a public fund, it should be transparent and accountable. All these countries can do their investigations and let's have a look at the reports.
6. Do you think your stance on 1MDB has cost you the chance to defend your constituency?
I have heard about this on social media, particularly by Mahathir's man, Matthias Chang. Right now, 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 speaks the truth.
7. What's your take on the decision by DAP to drop its rocket logo?
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 or not. Let's see the proof on May 9.
8. What is your plan moving forward?
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 anymore. But I will still go to Kepong. I won't abandon those people who supported me. I go there every week and almost daily especially on Sunday morning. Many of them have urged me to stand as an independent candidate.
9. Do you think the opposition is relying on fear-mongering to gain support?
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.
10. What's your view on the law against fake news?
It is very difficult to implement, from the definition of a fake news to ex territorial issues. We need a special Parliament committee to look into the implementation. The most important thing is to be fair and seen to be fair.
11. What's your comment on Tun Dr Mahathir leading the opposition?
I had my reservations when I was told to go along with him. His methods may have changed but the 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 being the opposition. But the way of thinking, I'm not too sure. Even a 10-year old is difficult to change, let alone a 93 year old. Don't come and tell me that. I'm a doctor.
12. Do you think BN or the opposition will win?
Both sides are making claims. Each side claim to have a fantastic manifesto. But how much money to implement the manifesto? The voters should make their decision based on the track record of the government under Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tun Dr Mahathir. List out the good and bad then make a decision. Voters need to make an objective decision.