LGE: Instead of chasing titles, look for appreciation from rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR: If DAP's elected representatives want appreciation, they should look for it from the rakyat, says Lim Guan Eng (pic).

"Priority must be given to the rakyat, and if we want to look for appreciation, it must come from the rakyat who are satisfied with the services of their elected representatives," Lim told reporters at the Parliament lobby on Wednesday (Oct 17).

Lim, who is Finance Minister and DAP secretary-general, warned its elected representatives against adopting the "unhealthy" Barisan Nasional culture of chasing after titles and awards.

"DAP does not want to become like Barisan, where many chase after titles to become a "Datuk".

I'm not a 'Datuk', but I've been a leader all this while.

"It's a challenge for DAP to push away the unhealthy culture from Barisan and ensure that it does not creep into our party," he said.

Lim recently chastised several party leaders from Sabah and Melaka after they broke party tradition by accepting datukships.

He stressed that members must uphold the party's culture of only accepting titles of awards after retiring from active service.

Lim said DAP respected and appreciated the awards given, but it was more important for its leaders to serve the rakyat.

"That is the party's stance, and is not pointed at any external parties.

"We must not give the impression that we are rushing and chasing after awards.

"The DAP culture must be retained, and that's what I want to say to the members. Don't be like MCA and others," he added.

Lim said based on the statement by DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, it was clear that the party's central executive committee (CEC) was also dissatisfied with what had happened, as well as with the explanation given by the award recipients.

Loke had on Tuesday (Oct 16) openly reprimanded party leaders who accepted the awards and said the CEC had met over the matter.