Tan, a DAP member since 1979, has been representing the parliamentary constituency since 1982.
“Donald Trump became the president of the United States at the age of 75, and Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad), at 92, is Pakatan Harapan chairman,” the skin specialist told Bernama.
Tan, who will celebrate his 76th birthday on May 24, said: “There are those who say that people at my age should be hospitalised, should be at home, no need to care about politics. Enough with eight terms, go retire, they tell me.
“I don’t care what they say about me, I’m still strong and able to help the people.” he said, dismissing a claim that he was among those who would be dropped from the DAP line-up of candidates so as to give way for new faces.
“It’s up to the party leadership whether to choose me or not.
“I’m still working as usual and still interested in defending the Kepong parliamentary seat.”
Tan was born in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and got involved in politics at the age of 34 by joining Parti Keadilan Masyarakat Malaysia (Pekemas) in 1976. He served as a physician in the army for a year in 1971.
He was first fielded as a candidate in a general election for the Kepong seat in 1978 on a Pekemas ticket, but he lost in a four-cornered fight.
He won the seat in the next election in 1982 and has been its MP ever since. He was also Selangor DAP chairman for five years, from 1982 to 1987.
Tan is the current Public Accounts Committee (PAC) vice-chairman.
He said that during the last general election in 2013, there were rumours that he would be dropped, but eventually he was still given the mandate by his party to defend the Kepong seat.
Tan retained the seat with a majority of 40,307 votes, beating two challengers, Chandrakumanan Arumugam of PPP and independent Yee Poh Ping.
“We cannot predict what will happen. Now I am still able to continue the struggle in the Kepong parliamentary constituency,” he said.
Tan said he always adhered to the principle of “berani kerana benar” (one is bold when right) and, as a representative of the people or a leader, any statement issued had to be supported by evidence and not just empty talk.
“I always speak the truth. Whatever I’m going to say, I will make it factual and with evidence, not making blind accusations simply for self-interest,” he said.
Kepong MP: Other DAP members will speak up on environs if Teh leaves party