KUANTAN: MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker has "congratulated" DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang for finally wearing the songkok as part of ceremonial attire.

The 82-year-old DAP veteran leader is rumoured to receive the title of "Tan Sri" in conjunction with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's 64th birthday celebration tomorrow.

Ti's sarcastic remark comes after DAP had previously labelled all MCA members as traitors for accepting the palace's ceremonial titles, adorning ceremonial attire, in particular the songkok, which is based on Malay traditional customs.

"Congratulations to Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang. I am proud that Tan Sri Lim is finally wearing a songkok as part of palace protocol and ceremonial attire. I still remember Triang assemblyman Leong Ngah Ngah (now retired) refusing to wear the songkok and ceremonial attire, saying it was not allowed by DAP when Lim was the party's secretary-general.

"I would like to openly ask DAP to apologise to MCA and all its members who were labelled 'Umno's lapdogs' and traitors for accepting (wearing) the ceremonial attire based on Malay tradition. Previously, DAP had also ridiculed MCA members who received titles and awards.

"DAP has already apologised to Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Umno, so why not apologise to MCA and MIC, who have been their (DAP) main targets for working with Umno. We (MCA and MIC) worked with them for the sake of seeking a middle ground to bring our diverse society together," he wrote on Facebook.

Ti described the spirit of apologising as the best way towards unification and strengthening the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan unity government as they gear up for the state elections.

He ended the posting by saying, "Over to you, Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and DAP".

It was reported today that Lim had attended the rehearsal ceremony for the awarding of the honour scheduled for tomorrow after his photo wearing a songkok and black suit was shared on Facebook by former Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/916570/its-time-dap-apologise-all-mca-members-says-ti