I find the call to Lim Kit Siang not to accept nomination to be elected into the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the DAP in the coming party congress to be distasteful.

As a long-time life member of DAP, I must say that Kit Siang's experience and service is still need in the party, particularly now, when the party is undergoing self renewal.

Kit Siang's sacrifices for and dedication to DAP is legendary and needs no introduction. It is fortunate that DAP has people like him to establish itself as one of the leading political parties in Malaysia.

Kit Siang has never been a selfish person. He is firm but approachable leader who is fully dedicated towards the party's advancement.

In the last 35 years, he has held several key party positions. He was the national organising- secretary when he became the MP for Bandar Melaka in 1969.

He was then elected as party secretary-general while still under ISA detention. He held that position until very recently when he was elected as the national chairman.

Those who know Kit Siang well, will not fail to note that he had continuously brought into the party many new faces to fill key positions. Among them were the late P Patto, Kerk Kim Hock, Ronnie Liu and Theresa Kok.

There were several others who were introduced to the DAP leadership by being appointed as his political secretary at various times.

The present national youth leader, Teng Chang Khim, former Selangor state assemblyman, Madhavan Nair, and the leading columnist and former MP, James Wong Wing On were among those who had that privilege.

Though Kit Siang has been at the top for more than three decades, he did not stop others from doing their part for the party nor stop them from moving up.

Anyone dedicated to the party's objectives and prepared to work towards achieving its goal can move up the party hierarchy. One has to be patient and show dedication and commitment to the party.

Those who have openly flouted party discipline have been expelled in the past. Expelling members who are indiscipline happens in other parties as well.

The BN will be very happy to see Kit Siang leave the political scene and that is why the pro-BN mainstream media always highlight minor disagreements in DAP and tries to engineer a split between its leaders.

The BN controlled mainstream media wants to destroy DAP and the BA. We should be aware of this and not fall into their trap.

I am sure one day, Kit Siang will step aside when the party regains its rightful position in the political arena and when the next generation of leadership is firmly in place. He will then play an advisory role in the party.

It is my opinion that Kit Siang should accept the nomination to be elected into the CEC. It is his right to do so and it is up to the delegates attending the congress to decide who shall be their leader. Non-members and the media have no say in the election of party office bearers.

The Youth leaders should continue their good work and project themselves as future leaders through their own outstanding performances. Do not give the impression that you are trying to push aside a capable and still active leader like Kit Siang.