Newly-elected DAP disciplinary committee chief Ngeh Koo Ham said there were no immediate plans to act against the two leaders who had defied the party's orders against campaigning in the recent Pendang and Anak Bukit by-elections in Kedah.

Ngeh said the committee has not called up Nibong Tebal member of parliament Goh Kheng Huat or Triang state assemblyperson Leong Ngah Ngah to explain why they had campaigned for PAS, a former DAP ally in the Barisan Alternatif (BA).

"Although they have gone against the party's decision, I do not see any urgent need to discuss this matter because their actions have not affected the party," he said.

"They only have a different view from that of the party. Sometimes, a divided opinion does not amount to a disciplinary problem. I cannot give any opinion on this since the committee has not called them in for investigation."

Ngeh said he had not received any official complaint to date on the conduct of the two party leaders. However, DAP had taken note of the media coverage on their involvement in the by-elections.

Disciplinary action is usually taken if the party receives a formal complaint against a member. This is followed by an inquiry, at which evidence must be presented.

Goh had previously been reprimanded by the party for assisting another former BA partner, Keadilan, to campaign in the Indera Kayangan by-election in Perlis in January.

'No conflict' with party stand

It is learnt that Goh and Leong went to Pendang and Anak Bukit in order to sustain cordial relationships with PAS, since both represent constituencies with a predominantly Malay composition.

At many of the public talks (ceramah) during the campaign, Leong urged voters to "reject Umno as PAS is better than Umno".

Asked to comment on this, Ngeh said: "They did not fully assist PAS in the by-elections, but shared a common stand on certain issues such as demands for freedom, democracy and good governance.

"They continue to uphold DAP's objection to the hudud and qisas provisions in Terengganu's Syariah Criminal Offences enactment."

DAP announced its withdrawal from the BA last September, citing irreconcilable differences with PAS over the Islamic state issue.

Ability to remain unbiased

Asked how he felt about his new appointment, Ngeh quipped, "This is where my worries start".

"There will be many matters to look into and disciplinary problems will not always result in all parties being satisfied," he explained.

However, he was confident he would be able to act in a professional manner and remain impartial over any differences that may arise.

Ngeh, who is the party's national assistant treasurer and Perak state chief, was appointed to head the committee at the party's last central executive committee meeting held on July 14.

He replaces acting secretary-general and Wanita chief Chong Eng, who is said to be burdened with work. Since May 5, she has taken over the duties of secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock while he seeks medical treatment for rectal cancer.

The disciplinary committee is comprised of four other members — Chong, Fong Kui Lun, Teresa Kok and Paul Dason.