'Too painful to leave' - Rahang assemblyperson returns to DAP fold

Rahang assemblyperson Mary Josephine Prittam Singh has returned to the DAP, less than two weeks after tearfully announcing her departure from the party she was a part of for nearly five decades.

DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke today revealed that the two-term elected representative has withdrawn her resignation following calls by party leaders, including Loke, for her to reconsider.

In a press conference to announce her return today, Mary Josephine, flanked by Loke and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, said she had found it “too painful” to leave the party she loved.

“My return to DAP is because it was very painful for me to leave, but it is even more painful for me to miss out on something that I love (and have been) entrusted with all these 46 years.

“I told Anthony (Loke) I want to come back,” she said, adding that she would also resume her role as the DAP Women’s national organising secretary, Harapan Women's national vice-chief, Negeri Sembilan DAP Women’s chief and Negeri Sembilan Harapan Women’s deputy chief.

At today’s press conference, Mary Josephine stressed that she had never threatened or blackmailed the party to U-turn on decisions to get her way.

“There were differences in opinions, but in line with my belief in DAP, I do not expect the party to do a U-turn on their decisions... we will settle it in another way,” she said.

In an emotional press conference on July 10, Mary Josephine announced her resignation from the Pakatan Harapan component party.

She claimed she had been repeatedly sidelined from the party's decision-making process, including on the appointment of Negeri Sembilan’s Village Community Management Council chief.

She had vowed to, however, continue serving her constituents. Her decision prompted party leaders, including Loke, to express their sadness over the news and call for her to return.

Meanwhile, Loke, who is also Seremban MP, said today he had met with Mary Josephine last Friday to discuss her resignation.

“There were rumours that BN was trying to pull her to join them but I was sure she would not do so (join BN).

“To me, she never left DAP. That is why I said her resignation letter was never accepted.”

Meanwhile, Lim told reporters that today’s events showed that party differences could be settled through internal channels and with the spirit of comradeship and solidarity. - Mkini