MELAKA: The Melaka DAP chief who was mired in a Datukship controversy with his own national party leaders has retained his state chairman position.
Datuk Tey Kok Kiew (pic) defeated MP for Kota Melaka, Khoo Poay Tiong in a tight race.
State Agriculture, Agro-Based and Entrepreneur Development committee chairman Norhizam Hassan Baktee, who is the incumbent deputy chairman, also kept his position.
Norhizam, who was seen in viral videos berating villagers over a shortcut at Taman Aksia on October 4, surprisingly garnered a higher vote against two other contenders.
Another candidate, Martin Theseira, who is the chairman of the Save The Portuguese Action Committee, achieved a milestone when he secured the highest vote among all the victors, placing him on the top three in the new state line-up.
Khoo together with state executive councillors, Low Chee Leong and Kerk Chee Yee as well as Melaka deputy state legislative speaker, Dr Wong Fort Pin, all lost in the state party election.
When met Tey said he was overwhelmed by the support from grassroots.
"My team will work together with those who have lost in the party poll in the spirit of camaraderie," he said on Sunday night (Oct 28).
Tey has appointed Khoo in his new line-up as among the top office bearers.
Asked whether would surrender his Datukship, Tey said he prefers not to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, Norhizam said he was humbled with the support from the grassroots.
"I explained to them what actually transpired on that day and most party members felt I was also a victim of cyber-bullying," he added.
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