DAP leader: Lack of selection criteria cause of grassroots’ discontent

DAP central committee member Teng Chang Khim claims that the absence of selection criteria for election candidates is the source of the party grassroots’ dissatisfaction.

This comes after ex-TV host Yunna Tan, a political novice, was tipped to represent DAP in the upcoming Balakong by-election.

Teng, who is Selangor DAP vice-chairperson, said the party's central leadership’s preference for "parachute" candidates in the past 15 years has slowly built up dissatisfaction among the grassroots.

"The problem didn't arise overnight. It just exploded (after we heard about Tan's potential candidacy) before the Balakong by-election.

“Many people don't understand the party's struggle. In the past 15 years, there have been many politicians who have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths. They are arrogant and cause chaos after coming to power."

Speaking at the sidelines of an event in Beijing, China, the Selangor executive councillor was responding to a question regarding the grassroots’ dissatisfaction with Tan's potential candidacy. 

Teng also urged DAP’s central leadership to pay serious attention before the party starts to “rot”.

"The rot is not limited to money or corruption, but also includes not complying with standards and principles.

"(Tan's potential candidacy) couldn't be empty talk. She has already issued a statement to explain the situation. If she was not on the candidate list, she would have just denied it."

However, he emphasised that his criticism was not aimed at Tan, but rather at DAP's overall system of selecting election candidates.

"I am not personally attacking her. Anybody who is in her shoes would accept the party nomination. I think if she accepts the nomination, it is not a big deal.

"But the problem lies with the party because the leaders didn't build a proper system. We talk about rule of law, but when it come to managing the party, personal preferences come into play. This is the key issue."

‘Nationwide’ dissatisfaction

Quoting a Facebook post from a DAP member, Teng agreed that even a buffalo could represent DAP in any election.

"Party criteria are important. I saw a Facebook post by a party member, who said he could accept a buffalo as a candidate as long as it complied with the criteria.

"I think the grassroots has wisdom in saying this," he said, adding the grassroots’ disgruntlement was present nationwide, and not just limited to Balakong.

Incumbent Balakong state assemblyperson Eddie Ng was killed in an accident on the Cheras-Kajang Highway in the early hours of July 20.

He died of severe head injuries at the scene and his remains were cremated on July 24. He was 40 years old.

The Balakong by-election will take place on Sept 8, while nomination day will be on Aug 18.

Tan's potential candidacy has caused discontent among the party grassroots, who have questioned the rationale of party leaders fielding an “outsider” in the by-election.

Selangor DAP secretary Ean Yong Hian Wah has stressed that others are being considered as potential candidates, and says that the media's focus on Tan is "unfair" to her.  - Mkini