Former PKR member Zulkifli Nordin has described the DAP’s decision to set aside M Manoharan's six-month suspension as a ploy to avoid action against secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

NONE Utusan Malaysia today quoted Zulkifli (left) , now the Independent MP for Kulim Bandar Baru, as referring to Lim’s comments allegedly denigrating Johor over its crime rate.

"This action shows that DAP adopts politics that twist and turn facts and (it) practises double standards especially when it comes to its leaders of other races," Zulkifli reportedly said.

The report also quoted another ex-PKR member Padang Serai MP N Gobalakrishanan as saying that Lim should not be exempted from action.

"The decision on Manoharan was not sincere. It was made after I questioned his suspension in Parliament. Why was no action taken against Lim?" he said.

hindraf btn 151209 manoharan Manoharan (right) , the Kota Alam Shah state assemblyperson, was last month suspended for causing an uproar for saying in a Facebook posting that the national flag would be changed should Pakatan Rakyat come to power at federal level.

Yesterday, however, the DAP lifted the suspension and served him with a ‘severe reprimand’ instead, taking into consideration his ‘remorse’ and removal of the posting.

Lim had been alleged to have told a group of foreign correspondents in Singapore that people are more likely to be kidnapped when visiting Johor, compared to Penang where he is chief minister.

However, DAP chairperson Karpal Singh had told the party's central committee that no action would be taken against Lim.