DAP yet to tell renegade MP to stay out of coming by-elections

comments     Wong Joon Ian     Published     Updated

DAP member of parliament for Nibong Tebal, Goh Kheng Huat, has yet to receive explicit orders not to go to Anak Bukit or Pendang for the by-elections on July 18 although the party's life adviser issued a warning in a newspaper yesterday.

Dr Chen Man Hin told the New Straits Times that disciplinary action would be taken against members found co-operating with PAS in the coming by-elections in Kedah.

When asked for comment, Goh said Chen's announcement was "overly emotional".

"He should have waited until someone was found visiting those areas before speaking to the press," Goh said yesterday.

The MP, known for his 'independent' ways, said he will not be violating any party directives by going to Kedah in his personal capacity as his visit is a challenge to Barisan Nasional and not a show of support for PAS.

"My position is the rejection of Barisan Nasional, but that does not mean I support PAS. I reject Barisan Nasional, whoever their opposition may be. If the DAP doesn't support PAS, then I won't either," he said.

Goh insisted that he would not be helping PAS in any way nor would he be associating with the "PAS machinery".

Cautioned once

Goh has been cautioned once for helping Keadilan in the Indera Kayangan by-election in January.

DAP disciplinary committee chairperson Chong Eng had said in April that "a harsher punishment would be meted out [on Goh] should he be found guilty of such a breach again".

When contacted, Chong told malaysiakini that party leaders should be aware of their identity as public figures and that every member has a basic responsibility to obey party regulations.

DAP withdrew from Barisan Alternatif last September after disputes with fellow member PAS over the latter's intention to set up an Islamic state.



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