Monday, September 23, 2013

Fadzil Baharom of PAS was there

Fadzil Baharom (second from left) meets Chin Peng's brother-in-law
Kedah PAS leader Fadzil Baharom was a late visitor to Chin Peng's wake this evening, arriving at the Wat That Thong temple in Bangkok about 7 pm together with several friends to pay his respects to the former Communist Party of Malaya secretary-general.

When met at the wake, Fadzil stressed that he was not representing PAS or PKR but was there in a personal capacity.

Fadzil said he has known members of Chin Peng's family for about five years and felt it was appropriate to attend the wake.

"I will not be staying for Monday's cremation as I have to return to Kedah," Fadzil said, adding that he had long wanted to meet Chin Peng personally but did not have the opportunity.

He said despite the Malaysian government's portrayal of Chin Peng, he considered the latter to be a fighter.

"Malaysia's history has been changed; I am looking for the unvarnished version.

"Even within PAS, not everyone is really familiar with the facts of the nation's history and how events actually panned out," Fadzil said.

"Although my presence here today is nothing great, I am sure in five or 10 years it will be seen as a historical moment because I dared to attend Chin Peng's wake," Fadzil said jovially.

He also pointed out that following Chin Peng's death on Monday, many people had been circulating old stories and reports about the 88-year-old on the Internet.

He said that was good as it would help to educate the younger generation and give them a better understanding of history.

Asked whether other party members might frown on his presence at Chin Peng's wake, Fadzil shrugged and said he did not care as he did not feel there was a problem with his attendance.

He emphasised that paying his respects did not mean he was a communist or followed the ideology. He was merely interested in history, and Chin Peng was a part of the fabric of Malaysia's past.
Fadzil contested in GE13 for the Sungai Tiang state seat, but lost to Barisan Nasional's Suraya Yaacob.

(Source: The MI)

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