DAP suspends its Kota Melaka MP and Malacca chief

DAP today slapped a one-year suspension on its Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him, and Malacca DAP chief and Duyong state assemblyperson Goh Leong San.

Its disciplinary committee secretary Tai Xing Piao said in a press statement that the duo were suspended for repeatedly making statements that damaged the party's reputation.

He added the suspension against the duo is effective today and their membership in DAP will only be restored after the suspension period.

"Sim and Wong, as senior party leaders, should be setting a good example, especially at a time when the people need the DAP to provide leadership.

"But not only have they failed to do so, they have also made false accusations against the party leadership in the media and at public functions," said Tai.

He said the duo can appeal their suspension to the central executive committee within 14 days.

Sim and Wong's actions stem from a legal dispute with party member Wong Fort Ping.

Tai said after the duo lost the legal dispute against Wong on Sept 15 last year, they blamed the DAP leadership and alleged that the party was exacting revenge on them.

He said following this incident, Sim and Goh formed a grouping dubbed the 'Justice League' and on Nov 1 that year, held a fundraiser dinner for their legal fees, where a former party member was invited to speak and condemn the party.

Malacca DAP infighting boils over

"In a disciplinary hearing on Dec 18 last year, they were asked to explain their actions but both of them failed to provide a satisfactory answer," he said.

Tai said while the DAP acknowledged that Sim and Goh have contributed much to the party, the disciplinary committee saw it fit that drastic action be taken against them for their violations.

Malacca DAP has been embroiled in infighting since before the last general election as state leaders who are opposed to party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng battle members of his faction.

The Malacca DAP state leadership had, in the 2013 general elections, blocked Wong, who is seen as aligned to Lim, from being nominated as the candidate for the Kota Laksamana state assembly seat.

As a result, a compromise candidate Lai Kuen Ban, who is also seen as aligned to Lim, was selected.

In response, Sim, who was defending his Kota Melaka parliamentary seat under the DAP, also contested as an independent against Lai in the Kota Laksamana state seat, prompting a crisis in the party.

Sim subsequently withdrew his candidacy from Kota Laksamana constituency after being convinced by DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and was spared disciplinary action.

Shortly after the general election, Goh also resigned as Malacca opposition leader in protest of the central leadership's supposed interference in the state. The seat remains vacant to date. -Mkini