Former Perak DAP deputy chief M Kulasegaran has expressed shock and disappointment over his defeat and that of many linked to his faction, in the party's state elections yesterday.

dap tussle 091010 a sivanesan m kulasegaran “It was also a very painful day for me,” he said in a blog posting this morning.

This follows what Kulasegaran said was a “slaughter” of “capable, committed and dedicated comrades” who had contested against candidates who “had no track record and were lesser or hardly known within and outside the party”.

“There have been questions about the entitlement of about 50 branches to send 350 delegates to the (state party) convention, and this will definitely cast doubt on whether the winners have the right to claim moral authority of their victory,” said Kulasegaran, a lawyer by training.

“The results of the Perak DAP elections held yesterday came as a shock to me. It was also a very painful day for me.

"It was shocking because capable and dedicated leaders like saudara (comrade) Thomas Su, Seah Long Peng, Cheogn Chee Khing, Keong Meng Sing and Frankie Wong were heavily defeated."

While Kulasegaran said he accepts his defeat, he is “pained, though, by such setback”.

His remarks also put to question as to whether he or those in his faction will accept the offer made by the winning team of Ngeh Koo Ham and Nga Kor Ming to bring them into the state party leadership.

Kulasegaran and former Perak DAP vice-chief A Sivanesan, who also lost in the polls, were offered yesterday the posts of state party vice-chairperson.

“I have played my part and offered my olive branch, but sad to say, the top leaders’ efforts have failed as their success would require willingness from both sides to cooperate for the larger interest,” he said.

Ngeh: Polls conducted professionally

Nonetheless, Kulasegaran added that he will seek feedback and views from other party leaders, grassroots members and supporters as to whether or not to accept the offer by Ngeh and Nga.

“Among the factors which I shall like to find out is how best I continue to play an effective role in state politics."

In another development, Ngeh urged Kulasegaran not to question the validity of the branches that were present at the meet yesterday. 

He said that all branches have been scrutinised by the party headquarters and the elections was conducted by party comrades to ensure neutrality. 

"I hope Kulasegaran would not question the credibility of the polls. Every thing was conducted professionally. 

"I hope every one can move forward so we can unite to serve the party and the people," he said.