Party has no say, says Yong

IPOH: DAP’s Paul Yong (pic) has insisted that the party has no say on his decision to resume duty as a state executive council member.

The state housing, local government, public transportation, non-Muslim affairs and new villages committee chairman asserted that it was purely a state government matter and does not concern the party.

“Legally, there’s no need for instructions from the party.

“Government is government, a party is a party, ” he told reporters on the sideline during the state assembly sitting yesterday.

“To make a decision, do I need to ask my party?” Yong asked when commenting on an audio clip, purportedly the voice of a state DAP leader who criticised his decision to resume official duties.

In the 19-second clip, which was in Mandarin, the leader was heard denouncing Yong for resuming duties without the party’s permission.

The Tronoh assemblyman who had claimed trial to a rape charge in August and took leave had resumed duties on the first day of state assembly sitting last Friday.

“It was my decision to take leave then and it is within my rights to cancel it to resume duty at any time.

“The Mentri Besar has also agreed to me coming back to work after discussing with him, ” he said.

Yong also said DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai had sent him a WhatsApp message to congratulate him over the decision.

“Shouldn’t the state party also be happy for me?” he asked.