KUALA KANGSAR: Popular DAP leader Dr Tan Seng Giaw was dropped from his party’s as a candidate for the 14th General Election (GE14) because he disagreed with the party leadership’s stand on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in criticising DAP, said Dr Tan was sidelined because he stood by the truth concerning 1MDB and the prime minister’s role in the state wealth fund.
“Dr Tan said the prime minister did not do anything wrong in 1MDB. He spoke the truth about 1MDB and because of that, he was removed as a candidate,” Najib said before a crowd of 5,000 Perak Barisan Nasional members who were part of the state coalition election machinery.
Last week, DAP dropped eight-term Kepong member of Parliament Dr Tan from the Kepong parliamentary seat, in favour of Segambut incumbent Lim Lip Eng.
Najib said the move revealed DAP’s inability to accept differing views of others.
“Where is the democracy in a party purportedly championing democracy?” he asked.
At the same time, Najib also said Dr Tan had also echoed sentiments over 93-year old Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s ability to lead as prime minister again.
“A 93-year old man does not reflect Malaysia’s future. It is not that we want to insult him, but this is a reality.
“Even Dr Tan agreed that a 93-year old could never change his way of thinking, despite jumping over to the other side.”
Dr Tan in an interview with the New Straits Times Press, was quoted as saying: “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.”