If we had contested on our own without associating with other opposition
parties to form BA, we were quite confident of winning 20 to 25 seats.
But DAP was formed not just to get 20 to 25 seats but in order to establish
and to realise a vision of Malaysia as a country of justice, freedom and
good
governance.
It was the greatest opportunity in the history of Malaysia for such a political breakthrough to take place. That can only come about if DAP cooperated with other opposition parties because DAP alone cannot deny BN's two-thirds majority nor can any other opposition party do it on its own.
By cooperating with PAS and BA, we may have an extra 5 to 10 seats, totaling 30 to 35, but we ran the higher risk of being misrepresented by MCA and Gerakan as an instrument of PAS, and that we have betrayed our principles. They have put up banners with words saying that 'the final objective of PAS is to form an Islamic state'. They didn't say that the final objective of DAP is Malaysia should forever remain a democratic and secular country.
We took the political risk not for ourselves but for the sake of the people and country, and to restore justice and freedom, democracy and good governance.
I have warned that we may lose big or win big. Until the last moment, I was not sure that I could even succeed in Kebun Bunga (state seat) or Bukit Bendera (parliament seat). I felt it was worthwhile for Malaysians to bring about a paradigm shift. I thank the Penang people for their great support and great solidarity. I would especially like to thank all DAP members and supporters.
(29/11/99)