Unity team chief Teresa Kok today denied reports that she had called the rival Rainbow faction gay and that it is a laughable name for a coalition.

The two teams are battling for leadership of Selangor DAP in the state ordinary convention at the Sunway International Convention Centre today.

She said that her comments were taken out of context by Chinese publication Sin Chew Daily , that quoted her today as saying that the name 'Rainbow Coalition', as the rival faction is officially known, refers to a gay organisation.

NONE "I was shocked when I read it this morning. I think Sin Chew sensationalised (the issue) too much. The delegates can raise this issue, unfortunately (against) my side," she said at a brief press conference during a break in  Selangor DAP's 16th state convention.

In her blog , Kok ( left ) clarified further that she had actually declined to comment when asked by the media at an event in Klang.

She pointed out that she only asked fellow Unity team member and Klang MP Charles Santiago whether the name "Rainbow" was used by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organisations, as she was asked what she thought about the Rainbow Coalition.

"Charles Santiago then explained that in the United States, "Rainbow Coalition" meant organisations that encompassed all groups.

NONE "Although (Rainbow Coalition chief) Teng Chang Khim ( right ) responded by calling people who don't understand the meaning of "Rainbow Coalition" as people who never read, I wish to state here that "rainbow" is commonly used by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups as their symbol.

"But what I have said was taken out of context to insinuate I had meant to question minority groups. I have no intention to make sarcastic remarks against the "Rainbow Coalition" led by Teng, nor intend to run down minority groups," she said.