Reading an autobiography is like a taking a trip into an individual’s soul. By going down a person’s memory lane, we take time to appreciate the journey that one has taken into becoming the person one is today. Reading ‘The Right to Differ’ is a different experience entirely, probably because it was written from an interview. Simpler means questions and even simpler answers were used to tell the story.
The book chronicles the political journey of Lim Kit Siang and answers basic questions that baffles the younger generation who have long been bombarded with the image of Kit Siang as a Communist, a Chinese-chauvinist who cares not for the welfare of the Malays nor respects the throne. Ooi mindfully gathers the answers to those allegations and presents it to the readers as a matter of fact.
Reading the Malay version of the book was intriguing. The cover photo alone was eye opening enough. You see a younger Lim Kit Siang posing with friends, his hands in his pocket, jaw line perfectly defined, old school black plastic frame glasses, chin slightly tilted up; as if saying, “What?” to a gang of unruly UMNO bullies.
Taking the reader back in time, we are walked through the early life of Kit Siang, as if sitting in his living room, perched on a couch, looking at old family albums and personally chit chatting about his ambition and hopes for a better Malaysia, while starting off at an early age in the field of journalism before taking on law and finally jumping head on into Malaysian politics.
Special focus is given on the events leading to the black dot in Malaysian history that is the May 13th riots in 1969. UMNO has never ceased to blame the turn of events on Kit Siang, who according to his account in the book was not even in Kuala Lumpur during the riots.
What is also interesting about the book is the number of appendix it includes, among them speeches, letters and press statements by Kit Siang. Most interesting was an excerpt from his speech during the DAP-Gerakan Cultural Debate, late November 1968, where Kit Siang takes on Dr Syed Naguib Al-Attas on issues pertaining to language, art, political beings and other entities that shape the minds and thought pattern of humans.
One is presented with a different perspective at how Kit Siang, the fighter of justice and political activist can also demonstrate his intellectual side.
Another interesting speech would be the Student Power-like lecture he gave in April 1968, organized by UM’s Student Union regarding the role of students in Malaysian politics. Many believe this sparked the minibus roadshow campaign by the students which contributed to a landslide Perikatan loss during the General Elections about a year later.
The book, aptly titled The Right to Differ portrays the very essence of Kit Siang’s political thought. After twice detained under the dreaded Internal Security Act – once in 1969 and the other during Ops Lalang, Kit Siang has always emerged with the same conviction and dedication towards what he believes to be true and just. Always emerging with a smile on his face.
The results of March 2008 have greatly changed the course of Malaysian history, together with other Pakatan Rakyat leaders, Kit Siang is set to chart a new course for Malaysian politics. To some the path might be tedious, but to Kit Siang, surely he will just acknowledge the hardships with the exact expression he has on the cover of the book – a simple smile. – The Rocket
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