Lim, 81, said he is withdrawing from the race for a seat in the central executive committee (CEC) at today’s election.
Lim had been in the CEC since 1966 when he began as a national organising secretary, and subsequently went on to hold the powerful secretary-general’s post for 30 years from 1969.
“I announce my retirement from politics and I also withdraw from contesting (for a place) in the CEC,” he said. “I will also not compete in any general or state elections in the future.”
Lim said the recent Johor state elections was a salutary reminder that the party’s dream for a united, democratic, just and world-class Malaysia was a long-term political struggle with many gains and losses.
“However, we must remain constant in our objectives and never compromise our principles and ideals.
“We represent the hopes and aspirations of Malaysians who want the nation to stand tall in the world because of our achievements in various fields. We also have the ability to leverage on the best values and virtues of the diverse races, religions, cultures and civilisations that meet in confluence here,” he said.
He said Malaysia was on the trajectory of a kleptocracy run by incompetent leaders and a failed state, and reminded the rakyat that it was their duty to reignite hope and confidence to reverse the decline that the nation has seen over the last 50 years.
“The battle for the Malaysian Dream must go on until it is achieved, but this is in your hands,” he said to a standing ovation from the party’s delegates and Pakatan Harapan leaders present in the hall.
Among them were PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and Amanah chief Mohamad Sabu.
Lim was among the 93 candidates nominated for the 30 seats up for grabs in the CEC today where 4,150 delegates are expected to vote. The successful candidates will then elect the main working committee among themselves.
The congress was supposed to be held last June but was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Lim, who is currently the Iskandar Puteri MP (since 2018), was the MP for Bandar Melaka(1969–1974), Kota Melaka (1974–1978), Petaling (1978–1982), Kota Melaka (1982–1986), Tanjong (1986–1999), Ipoh Timor (2004–2013), and Gelang Patah (2013-2018).
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