Perak DAP divide appears to be widening

IPOH: A political divide is appearing in the state DAP leadership – one backing chairman Nga Kor Ming, the other group supporting embattled executive council member Paul Yong Choo Kiong.

It all started with the resignation of two DAP assemblymen, Leong Cheok Keng (Malim Nawar) and Leow Thye Yih (Pokok Assam), from their party posts.

They cited dissatisfaction with Nga, after he failed to consult the committee members on Yong's position.

On Friday (Sept 13), Buntong assemblyman A. Sivasubramaniam, who is also the party’s assistant secretary, advised Ipoh Timur MP Wong Kah Woh against taking the party’s internal matters to the media.

He said all problems should be resolved internally, adding that Wong, who is the party’s secretary, should be cautious when making media statements.

According to him, Wong should be focusing on fulfilling election promises first, and not wasting his time making media statements favouring certain individuals.

“It is common for an organisation to have disagreements, and thus the leaders should not make any statements before consulting the committee.

“I will not hesitate to expose internal matters within my knowledge if they (leaders) continue to issue media statements without any discussions within the committee first, ” he warned in a statement, though he did not specify what internal matters he was referring too.

Prior to this, Wong in his Facebook posting said the Perak DAP state committee was reiterating its support for Nga.

He said all members should show unity and continue to serve the people wholeheartedly.

“The state DAP is always considered a role model for the rest of the states. Our achievements during the elections, internal party organisation and finances are outstanding.

“These are all the result of quality leadership, and team spirit within the party, and we are on the right track of governing, ” he added.

On Wednesday (Sept 11), Leong and Leow, who were the state deputy treasurer and assistant organising secretary respectively, announced their resignation.

They said they were upset at Nga for telling a Chinese daily that Yong’s status would be discussed in the state Pakatan Harapan meeting. (Yong is accused of raping his maid and is on trial.)

The next day, Nga described Leong and Leow’s resignation as an internal matter that would be resolved behind closed doors.