PAS member pays respects to Chin Peng in Bangkok
Lee Shi-Ian, TMI
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 7pm 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.
