MP admits differing opinions within DAP over comic controversy

Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim today admitted that a comic book by former party activist Hew Kuan Yau has led to disagreements within DAP.

Sim (photo) refused to say if there was a rift within the party over the matter but acknowledged there were "differences of opinions".

"I don't know what you mean by internal rife but I think people have different opinions," he told journalists at the Parliament lobby today.

However, the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister maintained the position that DAP had nothing to do with Hew’s comic book.

"The fact is very clear - the comic book and also Hew Kuan Yau have no direct links with DAP.

"He isn't our member and the comic book has nothing to do with DAP. That's the stance for now," he said.

However, Sim did not address why DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had written the foreword of the comic book, which is largely pro-China propaganda.

The comic, titled: "Belt and Road Initiative for Win Winism", was authored by Hew, illustrated by Chong Poh Ling and published by the Asia Comic Cultural Museum.

Hew, who is also the Malaysia-China Business Council chief executive officer, had handed the comic book to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be gifted to China president Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing in April.

It had been in circulation for some time but came into the spotlight after the publisher distributed them to schools.

Subsequently, the Education Ministry has instructed the comics not to be circulated in schools.

However, a group of DAP grassroots members, including five assemblypersons, was unhappy with Maszlee’s (above) decision and questioned whether the minister was serving Pakatan Harapan or Umno.

Among those who signed the statement were DAP Youth secretary Eric Teh, Selangor DAP Youth deputy chief Koo Jeng Teng and Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Phoong Jin Zhe, who is also the Luyang assemblyperson.

The four Pahang DAP assemblypersons who signed the statement are Chiong Yoke Kong (Tanah Rata), Chow Yu Hui (Tras), Lee Chin Chen (Bilut) dan Leong Yu Man (Triang).

In contrast, DAP's Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh spoke out against the comic book.

Hew had quit the DAP in July 2016 after sparking controversy with his comment that South China Sea belonged to China.

China has laid claim to a large part of the South China Sea, including previously undisputed waters such as the Luconia Shoals which is recognised under international law to be within the exclusive economic zone of Malaysia, off the coast of Sarawak.

While no longer officially a DAP member, Hew still maintains a close relationship with the party.

DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai, who is also the Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC) chairperson, had in January appointed Hew as the MCBC CEO.

While in the opposition, he was known for his firebrand ceramah, often laced with foul words. - Mkini