The NST report, on the question-and-answer session, states:
"On the question of succession in the DAP, he said he planned to remain in the party for another two decades; therefore, the question of succession did not arise."
Let me clarify that I had made that remark in a light-hearted vein and is not meant to be a statement that I propose to be DAP Secretary-General for the next two decades. The reporter-questioner had said that he had been reporting me for a long time and hoped to be able to continue to do so for a long time, but he wanted to ask about the question of succession in the DAP.
I had prefaced my response by saying that as the questioner had hoped to be able to continue to cover me for a long time, I jokingly said that I would be around for another two decades and therefore his question of succession did not arise.
However, I went on to answer his question by stating that the problem of preparing for succession is an on-going one by the party, that there are enough party leaders to fill my party position should the need arises, and that there would not be a situation where a vaccuum would be created.
This clarification is necessary to forestall anyone jumping to the conclusion that I have chosen the National Press Club to make a policy pronouncement that I intend to continue as DAP Secretary-General for another two decades - which could not be further from my mind.
(13/8/97)