DAP’s iconic leader Lim Kit Siang has announced his retirement from politics at the 17th DAP Convention in Shah Alam today.

“I will not contest any central executive committee positions and will not defend or contest in any more elections,” said Lim.

Lim is the Iskandar Puteri MP in Johor.

Lim, who turned 82 in February, made his political debut in 1966 as the DAP national organising secretary, a post he held until 1969, when he was promoted to secretary-general.

He won his first election the same year when he bagged the Bandar Melaka seat.

Since then, Lim has been the MP of Kota Melaka (1974-1978), Petaling (1978-1982), Kota Melaka (1982-1986), Tanjong (1986-1999), Ipoh Timor (2004-2013) and Iskandar Puteri (2013 till now).

He had served as an assemblyman in Malacca and Penang.

In his political career spanning more than 60 years, Lim was jailed twice under the Internal Security Act.

He was jailed the first time in 1969, for 18 months, after the May 13 riots although he did not play a part in them, and the second time in 1987, for 17 months, during Operasi Lalang.

Lim, in his speech today, said the Johor polls were a salutary reminder that the party’s dream for a united, democratic, just and world-class Malaysia is a long-term political struggle, with many gains and losses.

“We represent the hopes and aspirations of Malaysians who want Malaysia to stand tall in the world because of our achievements in fields of human endeavour and ability to leverage the best values and virtues of the diverse races, religions, cultures and civilisations that meet in confluence in the country.”

The country is on the trajectory of a kleptocracy, kakistocracy and failed state, he added, reminding the people that it is their duty to reverse the decline that the nation has seen over the last 50 years.

“We must reignite hope and confidence in the future, as we hold in our hands the ability to reverse the national decline of the past half a century.

“Never before in the history of DAP is it more important that we have unity, solidarity and resolve in our long-term commitment to realise the Malaysian Dream.” – March 20, 2022.