DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang delivered his first public speech tonight after being absent from the political scene for a month due to a cancer operation.

Despite having kept silent during the recuperation period, Lim appeared to have kept abreast of the developments in the country.

Something that had remained unchanged during his absence, noted Lim, was the demonisation of him.

"Firstly, I wish to thank all Malaysians, especially Pakatan Harapan and DAP leaders, members and supporters, as well as those from other political parties and organisations, for their support, concern and good wishes during my cancer operation and month-long break and recuperation.

"I found, however, that I could not escape the demonisation campaign against me, even during the five-week break," he told some 800 supporters a ceramah, dubbed "100 days to Putrajaya" at Taman Impian Emas, Skudai tonight.

Lim appeared in good mood and warmly greeted his supporters despite occasionally appearing to be in pain and moving stiffly. A woman was heard shouting "Lao-da (big brother), I love you" while another supporter asked him to take care of himself as he is an important leader for the country...