In an unexpected move, Teresa Kok (DAP - Seputeh) has come out in defence of two MCA state assembly representatives who face possible expulsion for not opposing a motion proposed by the DAP at the Penang state assembly on Thursday.

Kok said in a statement today that the warning issued by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to the two Tan Cheng Liang and Lim Boo Chang reflected the "authoritarianism and undemocratic" spirit within Barisan Nasional.

"[This is] where all members in BN are required to be "yes-men" to whatever policy and decision made by the top leaders, and all the elected representatives of BN cannot hold dissenting views to all the policies and decision which are unfavourable to the people," she said.

On Friday, Abdullah said that action would be taken against Tan (BN-Jawi) and Lim (BN-Datuk Keramat) as they had committed a serious breach of discipline.

The two had abstained during a vote on a motion, tabled by Danny Law (DAP-Batu Lancang) that the RM1.02bil Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) project be deferred until the RM400mil Jelutong Expressway was completed.

The motion was supported by two other opposition assemblymen Keadilan's Abdul Rahman Abdul Kadir (Penanti) and PAS' Hamdan Abdul Rahman (Permatang Pasir).

Natural to object

Kok said it was "natural" for the two assembly representatives to voice their objection as 30,000 people have participated in a signature campaign protesting the move which has wide environmental and social impact on the island.

She urged Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon to take the views of the two representatives seriously and review the decision to implement PORR, instead of recommending disciplinary action against them.

Kok also called on all elected BN representatives to "model upon the courage" demonstrated by the duo when they deal with people's issues.

"It is time for the BN wakil rakyat to learn to place the people's interests above self in all matters, as well as to explore greater democratic space in BN," he added.

Conscience

Meanwhile, The Star OnLine today reported that Tan was shocked to hear that action would be taken against her.

"I did not support the DAP motion. I abstained because of my conscience as a lot of people are against the PORR.

"As an elected representative, I must listen to the people who have voted for me and the party," she was quoted as saying in the report.

Tan said that since the project would cause social and environmental problems, its implementation must be studied carefully.

Lim declined to comment.

In support of the two representatives, state MCA chairman Wong Kam Hoong said that over 90 per cent of state MCA leaders had expressed their reservation over the project.

In Sepang, MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik has declined to comment beyond saying that he has asked for a report on the matter