DAP expounds Middle Malaysia concept at congress

In the midst of mounting controversies surrounding PAS' Islamic policies impacting on non-Muslims, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has reiterated the concept of "Middle Malaysia".

Lim said he had promoted the concept three years at DAP National Conference in Ipoh at the height of the controversy surrounding the usage of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims.

"This was exploited by ‘extremist groups' aimed at splitting the Pakatan Rakyat," said the DAP secretary-general.

"I am glad that Pakatan Rakyat not only survived but continues to thrive," said Lim (left) during his opening address at the DAP national congress in Penang today. 

He added that the DAP will not take the extreme position of the BN as it is crucial to note that there is only one middle ground in Malaysian politics, and only that matters. 

"Make no mistake that Middle Malaysia will decide which coalition will govern next.

"To embrace Middle Malaysia, Pakatan must be seen as moderate and inclusive, and distance and differentiate ourselves from our exclusive, racist and extremist opponents," he said.

DAP-PAS friendship put to test

Lim's message appeared targeted at PAS leaders who are also present including PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali and veep Mahfuz Omar.

Deputy Chief Minister I and state PKR chief Mansor Othman, Parti Rakyat state chairperson Gary Nair and Parti Sosialis Malaysia leaders are also in attendance.

At around 10am, DAP leaders led by Lim and chairman Karpal Singh marched into the hall  to be greeted by  the popular English song "Every breath you take", by the band - Police.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo pushed his father Karpal unto the main stage, the delegates broke into applause.

A group of DAP Indian members caught the eyes of observers when they entered the hall wearing lighted up red buttons on their shirts.

A traditional Indian song filled the hall to welcome and remember veteran DAP leaders to the congress.

To further promote its multi-racial make-up, the event kicked off with three multi-lingual emcees.

Recently DAP's comradeship with PAS came under strainwhen the Kelantan Municipal Council took action on non-Muslims for indecentbehaviour.

But Lim said MCA's attempts to paint PAS as imposing Islamic law on non-Muslims such as khalwat was "untrue", adding it was an administrative problem that is being resolved.

Controversy also erupted when summonses were issued to hair salon female operators for cutting hair of male non-Muslims.

More seats for DAP, please

Meanwhile, Lim also took the opportunity to request more seats for the DAP in the coming general election.

He said the party takes pride in its growth and expansion with the full collaboration of the leaders, members and partners of PKR and PAS. 

"We have proven to be true and loyal partners of PAS and PKR. DAP hopes that our loyalty is recognised by allowing DAP to contest more seats at the next general elections," Lim said. 

"We aim for 3 extra parliamentary seats and 10 state seats in Peninsular Malaysia while Sabah and Sarawak are handling the seat negotiations on their own," he added.

"However, the success in the expansion of the party would mean nothing if we do not remain united," he stressed.

Lim said the nation's eyes are on them as "we dare to hold party elections just before the general elections". 

He urged members to prove to the nation that after party elections, win or lose, DAP leaders and members must stay united as "one mind, one soul, one spirit and one team" to help Pakatan defeat BN.

About 2,576 from 730 branches will choose from 66 hopefuls to vote for 20 new leaders in the CEC line-up for 2013-2015.

The results are of expected to be announced after 2pm.