Tunku Abdul Rahman's cherished status as the father of the nation's independence has never been questioned by anyone, let alone opposition party DAP, said party leader Lim Kit Siang.

In a statement, he said the DAP had always recognised the Tunku's iconic standing in the history of the country, specifically his struggle for eventual independence 48 years ago.

Lim was yesterday challenged by Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin (photo) to debate in the Parliament as to whether Tunku Abdul Rahman was the Father of Independence.

The exchange was triggered by DAP international secretary and NGO bureau chief Ronnie Liu who, a day earlier, had said that Umno leaders were not the real fighters in the struggle for Malaysia's independence.

"Firstly, Khairy should not challenge anyone to a debate in Parliament until he has become a MP himself. Secondly, my stand on Tunku as Bapa Malaysia and Bapa Merdeka had been clear and consistent," said Lim (photo).

Other pertinent matters

The Ipoh Timur parliamentarian pointed out that DAP had organised a 28th National Day reception in honour of Tunku as Bapa Malaysia at the Dewan Hang Tuah in Melaka on Aug 30, 1985 to honour him.

"The DAP and the Tunku (photo) have had our differences, but these do not detract from the Tunku's greatness as Father of Independence, as the main spirit behind our constitution and system of parliamentary democracy, and of his contribution to nation building."

Lim urged Khairy to stop being "a political ultra" and instead try to follow in Tunku's footsteps to defend democracy, justice and national unity "as an up-and-coming Umno politician in the 21st century".

He said Khairy and Umno Youth should pursue other more pertinent matters including why suspended Umno vice-president Mohamed Isa Abdul Samad was still carrying out his ministerial duties as federal territories minister.

"Why are Khairy and Umno Youth silent in not demanding that Isa be sacked or at least suspended as cabinet minister until the outcome of his appeal in Umno before the party's disciplinary board and that his case be referred to the Anti-Corruption Agency and the Attorney-General's Chambers for prosecution?

"It is sad and even tragic if the fastest up-and-coming Umno politician in the country prefers to be blind, deaf and mute to these and many other burning issues in the country."

Facts 'twisted'

In a separate statement, Ronnie Liu said Khairy had twisted the contents of his statement regarding Tunku Abdul Rahman.

"I was shocked and saddened to learn that Khairy Jamaluddin has twisted the facts of my statement at his press conference on Sunday.

"I wish to state categorically that I have never rejected Tunku Abdul Rahman as Bapa Merdeka...and I challenge Khairy to a public debate to prove (this)."

Liu said his statement was aimed at getting Malaysians in general and the young generation in particular to better understand the history of Malaysia.

"I wanted to remind Malaysians that we have today, a beautiful Malaysia, is the
fruit of the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers from all the (ethnic groups)."