Lim Kit Siang – Malaysian Politician

Lim Kit Siang, a Member of Parliament from 1969–2022, is one of the most senior politicians in Malaysia.

A member of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Lim Kit Siang started as the National Organising Secretary and editor of the party organ–The Rocket–from 1966–1969. He was the Party Secretary-General from 1969–1999 and National Chairman from 1999–2004.

Lim Kit Siang led the Malaysian Parliamentary Opposition bloc from 1974–1999, checking government excesses and exposing government scandals. He was detained twice under the notorious Internal Security Act (ISA) for speaking up for ordinary Malaysians. No charges were brought against him on both occasions. Lim Kit Siang was adopted as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International for being the conscience of the Malaysian people.

After over 50 years of hard-fought struggle, Lim Kit Siang and DAP, together with their alliance finally defeated the ruling coalition and took over the federal government for the first time in Putrajaya on 9 May 2018.

Lim Kit Siang retired from active politics in 2022.

Electoral Record

Parliamentary Opposition Leader

• 1974–1999
• 2004–2008

Member of Parliament

• Bandar Melaka (1969–1974)
• Kota Melaka (1974–1978)
• Petaling Jaya (1978–1982)
• Kota Melaka (1982–1986)
• Tanjong (1986–1999)
• Ipoh Timur (2004–2013)
• Gelang Patah (2013–2018)
• Iskandar Puteri (2018–2022)

State Assemblyman

• Kubu, Melaka (1974–1982)
• Kampong Kolam, Penang (1986–1990)
• Padang Kota, Penang (1990–1995)

Political Experience

• 1969 – Detained under the Internal Security Act for 18 months.
• 1979 – Convicted of five charges under Official Secrets Act for exposing an inappropriate arms deal between the government and a Swiss company.
• 1987 – Detained under the Internal Security Act for 17 months (Operation Lalang).

Party Position

• 1966–1969 – National Organising Secretary; Editor of The Rocket
• 1969–1999 – Secretary-General
• 1999–2004 – National Chairman
• 2004–2022 – Central Executive Committee Member