Maverick DAP rep dealt another blow with firing of staff

Maverick DAP politician Teh Yee Cheu was dealt another blow today when five of his staff were terminated by the state government for reasons unknown to them.

On Jan 21, his staff received their termination letters, dated Jan 19, from the Human Resources Department of the state secretariat.

The letters, sighted by Malaysiakini, state that the department was "instructed" to inform the staff that they were given 30 days to vacate their posts by Feb 18, the third day of Chinese New Year.

When contacted, Teh confirmed the contents of the letters, saying he would be holding a press conference tomorrow to explain the matter further.

"They have been terminated without any reason. I guess it is expected, but I did not think it would be so soon.

"I had a talk with my staff, and we will try to find a solution, especially with Chinese New Year around the corner," the two-term Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson said.

Last week, Teh was barred from using his annual RM200,000 constituency allocation. He was told of the matter after checking with the state Finance Office.

Teh's monthly RM6,000 subsidy for his service centre was also withheld, and last month, he was barred from managing the state's RM700 financial aid for victims of Nov 4 and 5 floods.

Teh had then sent an SMS to state DAP chairperson Chow Kon Yeow to say that the decision was "unfair and immature" as he was still the party's elected assemblyperson.

The money is usually spent on small projects and supply expenses.

Teh said he used the money to help senior citizens, disabled, single mothers, and poor students, as well as to assist local associations and NGOs.

His allocation is currently being handled by Zairil Khir Johari, the MP of Bukit Bendera, in which his constituency is located.

Teh, dubbed the "Green YB" for persistently speaking out on environmental issues, has earned himself a reputation for criticising the policies of the DAP-led state government.

At the state legislative assembly in Nov last year, Teh went on a hunger strike over the floods and landslide in Tanjung Bungah, which killed 11.

He even called for a two-term limit for the post of chief minister, which irked his party comrades.

Recently, Teh said he would quit the party when Parliament dissolves, but is still undecided on the next stage of his political career.

He said today that those responsible for the termination should have at least waited until the Parliament term ends.

Malaysiakini has contacted Chow and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and is awaiting their response. -Mkini