KUALA LUMPUR: Tributes poured in as DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang bid adieu to politics after a 56-year stint.
Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) vice president Lim Wei Jiet described the DAP veteran as a 'giant' in Malaysia's political arena.
Despite Kit Siang being detained and oppressed while serving in the opposition block, Wei Jiet said the DAP stalwart has never backed down from voicing out.
"If we read through the (parliament) Hansard, we can see that his speech makes most sense.
"He bravely points out the wrongs in the law passed by the previous ruling party.
"Knowing when to make way for younger generation to take over, that is a mark of a true leader. It is something we can all learn from him," he said today.
Former Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said that Kit Siang brought a new political pattern to the country.
He said that Kit Siang was active in politics at the time when he was still schooling.
He said the 81-years-old's views and suggestions were usually adopted by other politicians.
"I wish a happy retirement for him," he said.
When asked if this was the right time for Kit Siang to step aside from politics, Muhammad said that it varies from one individual to another.
"Mahathir (Mohamed) is still active eventhough he already passed 90 years old.
"It is not about age, if he feels it is the right time, then good for him," he added.
The DAP adviser announced his retirement from politics today at the party's 17th National Congress in Shah Alam.
The Iskandar Puteri member of parliament said he would refrain from offering himself in political positions and this includes contesting parliamentary or state assembly seats in the future.
On Twitter, many took the opportunity to thank Kit Siang for his services.
User @SimpletonED said it was the end of an era.
"And it turns out the late Karpal Singh and now Lim Kit Siang, always a thorn in the opponents side never made it as a government Minister. They served the nation in their capacities. Politics aside, theres no reason not to thank them for their services. Thank you."
Suraya Aziz said Kit Siang's huge contribution to this nation is tremendous.
"You pathed the way and set the standard for young politicians to follow. You are really a statesman and a fighter for democracy. Thank you sir."
Michael Kong Feng Nian under the Twitterhandle @fnkong said Kit Siang has always been in the forefront of Malaysia's political arena.
"Never one to shy from any fight, he has been persistent in his call for good governance."
Anne Danam said Kit Siang was a progressive leader.
"Politicians like that do not come by everyday."