Fire still burning in Perak DAP

Willing to return: Leong (left) and Leow decide to return to DAP after being advised to do so by Yong.

IPOH: Signs of reconciliation within factions in Perak DAP went up in smoke when a former committee member questioned the party’s sincerity in accepting his return to the fold.

Leong Cheok Keng, who quit the state party’s deputy treasurer post in September together with Leow Thye Yih (the then assistant organising secretary), claimed yesterday that the committee seemed to be attempting to deny their wish to rejoin them.

Leong’s remarks came barely 24 hours after he and Leow issued a joint statement, saying that they had decided to return after being advised to do so by Perak executive council member Paul Yong.

Leong and Leow, the assemblyman of Malim Nawar and Pokok Assam respectively, had walked away in September due to dissatisfaction with Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming’s manner in the handling of Yong’s case.

Yong has been accused of rape.

Leong, Leow and Yong were notably missing from the state party’s 20th annual convention yesterday, in which Nga delivered the keynote speech.

Yong and Leow could not be reached for comments about their absence. Leong, when contacted, declined to talk about his no-show.

“The real question should be why people, who earlier invited and welcomed us to rejoin the state committee anytime, are now attempting to block us rejoining the committee.

“This despite us having set aside our personal differences for the greater good of the party, ” he said.

(Shortly after Leong and Leow voiced their intention on Saturday to rejoin the state committee line-up, Perak DAP issued a statement, saying that a meeting would be held at an appropriate time and place before deciding about their comeback.)

In his keynote speech at the convention, Nga said those who failed to adhere to the instructions of the party were not qualified to hold any posts.

Nga said party members at all levels must adhere to party instructions and that they subject to the party constitution and discipline.

“Party members should not violate party discipline and take full responsibility for their actions.

“We will not compromise on those who act like ‘kacang lupakan kulit’ (ungrateful). It is not our culture.

“When (you have) done something wrong and disciplinary action is taken, don’t blame others – just self reflect.

“Without the party, who are we? Without the party, will there be a government?” he asked.

Midway through his speech, Nga showed a video of Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu speaking on fulfilling Pakatan Harapan’s promises.

Among the promises highlighted included giving out permanent land titles, recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate, no tax increment for five years, lowering the water tariff rate and open tender for projects.

“I am confident that he (Ahmad Faizal) can do it.

“I have instructed the five state exco members from DAP to help him fulfil the promises, ” he said.

In his opening speech, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang said there must be a way for leaders and activists from Pakatan component parties to voice their dissent on government policies without being seen as Opposition-minded or motivated by an ulterior motive to bring down the government.

He said DAP was accused of not speaking up for the people although it was once a leading voice of the society.

“Although DAP and its leaders did not agree with various Federal Government policies and actions, we tried to channel our disagreements through government sources but this was regarded as timidity or abandonment of principles and objectives.

“There needs to be a balance between maintaining solidarity and discipline of Pakatan and articulation of principles and objectives by individual component parties, ” he added.

Lim also said Pakatan had deviated from its moderate centre stance, while competing and trying to better those who resort to hatred and intolerance in racial politics.

“We have fallen between two stools, losing the Malay and non-Malay ground.

“Pakatan must return to the moderate centre and not compete with the advocates of hate and intolerance who are in the margins of society in the politics of race and religion, ” he said.