Liu off the hook for criticising Dr M, DAP members told to keep grouses private

DAP's disciplinary committee has accepted Ronnie Liu's clarification over his article which was critical of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Committee chairperson Chong Chieng Jen said the Sungai Pelek assemblyperson penned a lengthy response to the show cause letter issued against him.

“We have perused his explanation and the committee has accepted his clarification,” he added in a statement this afternoon.

On the same note, Chong said the committee advised all DAP members in future to refrain from open criticism against coalition partners and resort to internal channels to resolve differences.

Last month, DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke referred Liu to the disciplinary committee over the latter's article published in Malaysiakini titled “Mahathir: The paper tiger.” 

Describing it as a personal view and not reflective of DAP's stand, Loke, who is also transport minister, chided Liu for making such an “irresponsible” statement.

"This statement by Ronnie Liu can be viewed as an act of sabotage, something that is very serious. I see it as an act of sabotage to destabilise and disrupt the harmony of the coalition. It was uncalled for," he had said.

The disciplinary committee's decision comes in the wake of Mahathir defending Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu (below) over the latter's claim that he was waging a lone battle against DAP.

Mahathir said the menteri besar was forced to explain the real situation in Perak to a hostile group of fisherfolk.

In the article, Liu criticised Mahathir's performance and suggested that if the Bersatu chairperson attempted to break up Harapan, the remaining parties comprising DAP, PKR, Amanah, Warisan and Upko can still retain the government without Bersatu.

While Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya called Liu's statement "unwise", the party's Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman adopted a more combative stand.

Labelling the remarks as “rude and disrespectful”, Syed Saddiq had given Liu a week to apologise.

"Either that or he must be disciplined by DAP. If not, Bersatu Youth will not hesitate to act on such a rude attack.

"If DAP does not do anything, Bersatu Youth will freely attack DAP, including its top leadership," he had said.

Unfazed, Liu said it was his duty and responsibility as an elected representative to speak on behalf of the people and was prepared to face the disciplinary committee.  - Mkini