Karpal: DAP independents have 24 hours to apologise

DAP will not tolerate any act of indiscipline among its members who are standing as independents after not being fielded as candidates in the coming general election.

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh said he was giving incumbents Teratai assemblyperson Jenice Lee and Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him 24 hours to publicly apologise and withdraw their Independent candidacy or face expulsion from the party.

"This is a serious act of indiscipline. It is unacceptable, inexcusable and intolerable," said Karpal at a press conference today.

"Their act amounts to sabotaging chances of DAP candidates, and is a very serious act of indiscipline," he added.

Karpal (above) said action would also be taken against party supporters of the two candidates.

Yesterday both Lee and Sim sprang a surprise on their party when they filed their nominations papers to contest as Independentsagainst the party's own candidates.

Lee is defending her state seat while Sim (left), fielded as DAP's candidate for the Kota Melaka parliamentary seat, is also contesting as an Independent for the Kota Laksamana state seat.

Karpal said the duo should publicly apologise for their actions, withdraw their candidacy and ask their constituents not to vote for them as Independents.

"I do not mince my word. DAP would rather lose a seat than tolerate acts of indiscipline,"  said the Bukit Gelugor candidate.

"Being apologetic is not enough, so they need to make a public statement".