‘Inappropriate’ to call four Malacca reps a cancer, says Teng

It is inappropriate for DAP acting chairperson Tan Kok Wai to call the four Malacca elected representatives a “cancer” to the party, after they quit DAP, said DAP’s Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim.

The Selangor executive councillor said it is not proper to make “abusive” remarks against former comrades, especially those who have contributed greatly to the party.

“One may agree or disagree with Sim’s action or justification but should never tell the untruth or be abusive to ex-comrades who had tremendously contributed to the party in the past.

“A great party must demonstrate its magnanimity in such a situation despite disagreements,” he told Malaysiakini.

He was referring to Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him who on Sunday quit the party with three Malacca assemblypersons.

The four, including Goh Leong San (Duyong), Lim Jak Wong (Bachang) and Chin Choong Seong (Kesidang), said they quit the party because they believed DAP had strayed from its original objective of fighting for an inclusive Malaysia.

The departure was also condemned by central executive committee member Liew Chin Tong, who said those who left were disillusioned after losing in the party elections.

In response, Teng said Liew should have more respect for those who are more senior to him.

“He has also forgotten that most of them are far more senior than him in the party struggle, especially Sim who had been with the party perhaps longer than Liew’s age,” he said.

Sim, a multi-term MP, first contested on the DAP ticket in 1986, nine years after Liew was born.

Sim’s and Goh’s resignation comes a day after their one-year suspension from the party ended. They were suspended for disparaging the party.

Sim was DAP’s sole MP in Malacca, while the three assemblypersons’ departure halved the party’s representation in the legislative assembly.

In response, secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the resignation was a “gift” for BN in the 14th general election.

Like his father, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, Guan Eng started his political career in Malacca.

Both father and son are scheduled to be in Malacca today to assess the damage.- Mkini