DAP's Ramasamy referred to disciplinary board

Penang DAP deputy chief P Ramasamy, who is currently embroiled in a spat with his party boss for labelling him a 'godfather', has been referred to the disciplinary committee.

According to DAP national chief Karpal Singh (right), the party has received a complaint against Ramasamy from a local leader - Kampung Juru division chief Tan Ah Huat - over the matter.

Karpal said Tan has sent a letter, received by the party on Dec 8 and referred to the disciplinary board for further action.

He was asked to comment on what action the party would take against Ramasamy if the latter fails to retract his “godfather” remark and apologise to Karpal.

"If someone does not conform to DAP practises, the party can take action against anyone, no matter how high (the position) . It is as simple as that," the party chief told reporters.

‘Counter Tamil papers’

Karpal was told Barisan National leaders have started to criticise the DAP for this crisis, and asked if it would have been better to keep the conflict behind closed doors.

"Public interest issues need to be brought to the attention of the public. (But) one cannot openly announce seats for others and oneself.

"If the reports are wrong, it must be corrected immediately. That is what we always do or else it stands," added Karpal, who is Bukit Gelugor MP.

He was referring to reports in the Tamil dailies quoting Ramasamy (left) as promising and announcing election candidacy for his supporters, statements that the latter had denied.

The reports sparked the row when Karpal responded saying there should not be warlords in the party, and Ramasamy shot back saying there should not be any godfathers as well.

The squabble escalated when two assemblypersons - RSN Rayer (Seri Delima) and A Thanasekharan (Bagan Dalam) - jumped into the fray to demand an apology and retraction from Ramasamy over his remark.

Karpal, when asked today if he is aware that the grassroots want Ramasamy out by the next election, said he has not heard about the matter.

However, Karpal maintained that if Ramasamy does not apologise, the party would still have to resolve the matter.

Guan Eng remains mum

Meanwhile, DAP national secretary Lim Guan Eng refused to be dragged into the acrimony.

During a press conference at the party's state convention in Butterworth today, Lim answered reporters’ questions about the matter with a terse, "I have no comments".

Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow offered the press an equally curt reply saying, "The top DAP leaders are here (to respond)".

Karpal eventually spoke up saying that the entire episode was “unfortunate”.

"It is unfortunate this has happenned in the DAP, the way it is done," he said.

When met before the press conference, Ramasamy, who is also Penang deputy chief minister II, said he will soon make an official statement over the matter.

When asked if he would apologise and retract his “godfather” statement, Ramasamy maintained, "I will not be intimidated."