DAP’s Ngeh defends acceptance of ‘Datuk’ title

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 – Perak DAP chairman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham today defended his acceptance of the “Datuk” title in 2008, saying that the party’s leadership had allowed him to receive it from the Sultan of Perak.

He was responding to DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s remarks yesterday, where the veteran leader had said that DAP’s policy is to reject all state honours except for those awarded for bravery.

Karpal also said Ngeh and Selangor Assembly Speaker Datuk Teng Chang Khim had failed to “surrender” their titles despite being asked to do so. Teng had received his “Datuk” title in 2010 from the Selangor ruler.

But Ngeh (picture) today said that he had “never sought to be conferred with any honour or title” when he was the senior exco member of the Perak state government, saying that the Perak ruler had conferred the title on his own accord.

Ngeh further said that before he accepted the “Datuk” title, this issue was raised in DAP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) where the majority said he “should accept the award”, but with Karpal against the idea.

“I hope Sdr Karpal Singh will accept the majority decision of the CEC and move on. This issue should not cause any division to the party leadership.

“If Sdr Karpal Singh feels strongly about his view, he should bring it before the CEC for a review,” Ngeh wrote in a statement today.

Karpal had yesterday said that DAP member may only accept awards after they had retired from active politics, citing as examples the late Chian Heng Kai, a former Bukit Mertajam MP; former Batu Lanchang assemblyman the late Tan Loo Jit; and former Berapit state lawmaker Wong Hang Yoke who were conferred state honours carrying the title “Datuk”.

The Bukit Gelugor MP also said strict disciplinary action will be taken against those who breached the party policy.

He was refuting claims that DAP was opposing Malay leaders by not accepting state awards, pointing out that the party’s policy also apply to state honours issued by state governors in Penang, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak.