The DAP central executive committee (CEC) has set aside the six-month suspension imposed on its Kota Alam Shah state assemblyman M Manoharan over his remarks about the Malaysian flag, according to a statement issued by the party's national headquarters today.

manoharan first visit to selangor state assembly building 110509 04 The statement said the CEC, at a meeting last night, decided instead to replace the suspension with a severe reprimand after taking into consideration that Manoharan had shown remorse by apologising and removing immediately his comments posted on the social network, Facebook.  

The CEC decision comes in the wake of Manoharan's appeal against the suspension imposed by the party's disciplinary committee.  

The statement also said that the CEC upheld the six-month suspension imposed on the party's Bentayan state assemblyman Gwee Tong Hiang for abuse of power in relation to party funds without following proper procedure.

The CEC had rejected an appeal from Gwee whose suspension runs from Sept 27 this year, it said.

Gwee has last week claimed that he was offered money to quit DAP and become an independent state representative.

- Bernama