Kit Siang challenged to step down, give way to other leaders

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang has been challenged to step down from the post as the party has been unable to topple the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the general elections (GE) despite having the most seats as compared to other opposition parties.

The challenge comes from UMNO Youth deputy chief, Khairul Azman Harun, who is also senator, who wants Lim to step down and be replaced by more qualified individuals.

"I challenge Lim Kit Siang to resign and give way to other DAP leaders such as (Kepong MP) Tan Seng Giaw.

"Lim Kit Siang had for several times tried to defeat BN in the GE, but up to GE13 he has still failed. Leaders who fail are often replaced but not Lim Kit Siang. Until today, he is still DAP leader," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here Wednesday.

Khairul Azman also questioned why Lim was not appointed Pakatan Harapan chairman although DAP had the most seats compared to other opposition parties.

Lim was also urged to accept the challenge from former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim to debate on the most qualified individual to take up the Pakatan Harapan chairman post.

Earlier in his speech on the motion of thanks for the royal address in the Dewan Negara, Khairul Azman said the government should among others, focus on the 21 to 30 year-old voters in the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) agenda so that this sector would be involved in the nation''s decision and policy making process.

"According to EC (Election Commission) statistics, voters aged between 21 and 30 (first-time voters) now comprise 14 per cent compared to nine per cent in GE13 so the government has to give emphasis on them and listen to their views and aspirations to encourage them to be involved in the national development strategy," he said.

-- BERNAMA