DAP MP adds dealing with 'paranormal activity' to list of duties

DAP MP adds dealing with 'paranormal activity' to list of duties

Shakira Buang
Published: Jan 20, 2025 7:16 PM


Summary

• Lim Lip Eng has come to the assistance of a tenant spooked by the unseen going bump in the night in his home.

• Constituent is seeking the Kepong MP to liaise with his landlord in terminating rental agreement.

• Lim emphasises the need to at least lend an ear to all in need of help, and urges all to be more empathetic when it comes to mental health issues.

On paper, the role of an MP is pretty straightforward - provide checks and balances to the executive, make and change laws, debate important issues, and approve national budgets.

But in practice, MPs often tackle some of life's more earthly matters, like clogged drains and the occasional neighbourly dispute.

This morning, however, Lim Lip Eng found himself unexpectedly dragged into a paranormal conundrum. A haunted house, to be precise.

The Kepong MP has come to the assistance of a constituent spooked by the unseen going bump in the night in his rented home.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Lim shared that a kopitiam owner had reached out to him to help terminate his home rental agreement.

Disturbed by weird noises and flickering lights, the man is determined to move out, however, he is facing some problems with his landlord.

“He wanted to terminate the rental agreement with the landlord, but the landlord had other demands.

“So, he asked me to liaise with the landlord to resolve the issue and recover his deposit,” Lim said.

Although the request sounded strange, Lim said otherworldly problems are not something new in his experience as an MP as he receives similar complaints almost every year.

Listening with empathy

Lim shared that while some of his constituents’ issues required serious attention others simply needed him to lend an ear.

“For instance, someone once came to me claiming to be the reincarnation of a Chinese emperor. He said he wanted to save the world and explained how it could be done.

“I met him two months ago. I just listened to what he had to say and acknowledged it,” he said.

Lim stressed the importance of trying to help people in these situations.

“But I still try to help because these individuals are not looking for trouble; they just have nowhere else to turn. To them, these problems are enormous.

“They think about it day and night and don’t know where to share their thoughts. That’s why they come to me. How could I turn them away?” he added.

Mental health awareness

He also noted that many complaints come from individuals who are likely dealing with health issues.

“Usually, these cases involve individuals who hear certain voices and don’t know whom to turn to.

“So, they come to me, and in such cases, I can only listen and ask them to stay calm. At the same time, if necessary, I advise them to see a doctor.

“Even though these issues may seem trivial, they are still my responsibility as a representative of the people,” he said.

On the broader topic of mental health, Lim urged all to be more empathetic and understanding.

“Mental health problems are very serious nowadays. I am confident that the Health Ministry is paying attention to this issue.

“So, I hope everyone, especially the public, will give those with mental health issues more space and understanding.

“They are not deliberately causing problems. They are genuinely facing challenges, like the case of the disabled person who was beaten in Terengganu recently,” he said, expressing regret over the incident.

Lim was referring to an incident involving a motorcyclist, believed to be a disabled person, who was attacked by a group of men after crashing into a stall at Pasar Tani Padang Astaka Chukai.

Yesterday, Lim also made the news when he addressed the rights of Malaysians over the issue of police randomly checking mobile phones.