Mr Opposition — The legacy of Tan Chee Khoon

On August 24, a crowd of around 150 gathered for a public forum commemorating the 30th anniversary of the death of former opposition leader Dr Tan Chee Khoon. The event, organized by Aliran and his youngest daughter Tan Poh Lai, was part of a series titled Merdeka, Multiracialism and Dissent, Without Fear or Favour. Upcoming events were scheduled for September 3 in Ipoh and September 5 in Penang.

Tan Chee Khoon served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Dewan Rakyat from 1964 to 1969, representing the Labour Party, Gerakan, and Pekemas. Poh Lai, his daughter, eloquently depicted his life story, highlighting his commitment to multiracialism and socialism, as well as his Christian faith. She recounted his youthful accident that resulted in the loss of one eye due to a lack of medical access, which shaped his compassionate nature.

Throughout his career, Tan faced numerous challenges, including the decline of the Labour Party and the Socialist Front due to the incarceration of many leaders. Despite these setbacks, he refused to compromise his principles and remained politically steadfast, turning down positions such as Deputy Chief Minister that conflicted with his multiracial ideology.

Tan had to rebuild his political career multiple times, initially forming Gerakan before creating Pekemas with Gerakan rebels. However, he was the sole elected Member of Parliament in the 1974 elections and was compelled to relinquish his political role after suffering strokes in 1977. Tan passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy as a renowned physician and a respected columnist with his "Without Fear or Favour" column in The Star.

Economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram also addressed the audience, reflecting on Tan's commitment to principles. He noted that Tan emerged from an era when political leaders could engage in ideological debates without focusing on identity factors like race and religion. Jomo lamented the suppression of the left-wing political movement in Malaysia, lamenting that its impact has been overlooked or omitted.