Anthony Loke. -filepic
PETALING JAYA: Melaka DAP state chairman Datuk Tey Kok Kiew had previously been informed of the party’s position on accepting titles before he was conferred his Datukship, said Anthony Loke.
The DAP national organising secretary said that Tey was told of the Central Executive Committee’s (CEC) position of not accepting titles during active political service in July.
He added that the CEC also expressed its displeasure for not being consulted on this.
Loke said that DAP Sabah leaders who received titles and awards have also been informed of the party’s position.
“Therefore, the CEC reprimands any DAP leaders who denied and claimed ignorance of this decade-old understanding.
“Leaders who try to justify receiving awards without informing or awaiting directives from the party leadership have no respect for the party,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 16).
The statement was released following a CEC meeting a day earlier to discuss the issue.
Loke said the meeting resolved to reiterate a decade-old CEC understanding that DAP elected representatives and local councillors would not accept titles and awards during their period of active political service.
The statement did not mention if any action would be taken on the DAP assemblymen who ignored this.
Loke could not be reached for his comments.
Tey, along with Melaka deputy state assembly Speaker Datuk Dr Wong Fort Pin
received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM), which carries the title “Datuk” in conjunction with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob’s 80th birthday celebration on Saturday (Oct 13).
Last week, two Sabah DAP ministers – Stephen Wong and Frankie Poon – were awarded the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu, which also comes with the title “Datuk”, in conjunction with the 65th birthday of the state Yang di-Pertua Negri.
Loke said that a written advisory will be issued to all DAP elected representatives and local councillors to reiterate the party’s position on the matter.
He reminded that DAP leaders are in politics to serve the people and not seek fame or titles or positions.
“DAP recognises the importance of titles and awards as a way to appreciate their contributions of towering figures in society and therefore advises its elected representatives and local councillors to receive these honours after they retire from active service, presumably after they have contributed to the society at large,” he said.
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