DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang today rescinded his proposal for a merger with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) after it evoked stiff resistance from leaders of both parties.

In a press statement, the veteran politician said he had earlier clarified that the merger proposal was his personal idea and did not reflect the party stand.

"I had thrown up the idea as a response to the 2004 general election result which had allowed the Barisan Nasional to commandeer the unprecedented and most dangerous nine-tenth parliamentary majority... (there was an) urgent need to shore up democracy from further erosion and to defend and preserve the Merdeka social contract," he added.

DAP members outraged

However, Lim said his suggestion was met by a "firestorm of protest" and outrage from DAP members but he claimed that some had supported the idea.

The DAP leader also expressed dismay over the "negative and shocking" responses from Keadilan leaders Tian Chua, Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor and Mohd Azmin Ali.

"(Youth chief) Mohd Ezam and (vice-president) Mohd Azmin alleged that I am trying to divert national attention from the chaotic and disgraceful conduct of the 2004 general election, as if I am trying to help the Election Commission cover up its shocking flaws and failures...

"In view of these unworthy and dishonourable reactions, imputations and allegations questioning my motives, I am withdrawing my idea about exploring the merger proposal," he said.

Reject Islamic state

Meanwhile, Lim said even without a merger between the two parties, Malaysians must demonstrate clearly their wish for Malaysia to remain a secular democracy with Islam as the official religion.

He said the electorate should make clear to Keadilan that it should free itself from subservience to PAS' Islamic state concept.

Keadilan and PAS are members of the opposition alliance Barisan Alternatif (BA), which at one time included DAP as well. However, the latter quit in 2001 following differences with PAS over its Islamic state aim.

On the other hand, Lim said the electorate must also work equally towards getting non-Malay Barisan Nasional component parties to reject the 'Islamic state declaration' made by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad in September 2001.

DAP was the only opposition party to perform relatively well in last week's elections, scoring 12 parliamentary seats and 13 state seats.