The 16th triennal national congress of the DAP will allow all media - mainstream or alternative - to cover its programme in Penang this weekend.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said that there would be no ban on any media covering the event, which includes elections to the party's new central executive committee (CEC).

"We will allow all media in, but we must be careful when answering questions," Lim said at a press conference today.

dapsy agm 091212 anthony loke 02 "There is no limitation or restriction on media, but please understand that we have to be cautious," he stressed, warning that caution was necessary as there may be some with an agenda to slander.

The Penang chief minister said this when asked about the status of AntaraPos , a Malay language media outfit, that has claimed it was not permitted to cover the two-day event.

It is learnt that AntaraPos , however, managed to obtain approval after consulting former DAP Socialist Youth chief Anthony Loke ( right ).

Meanwhile, Lim urged the media to provide accurate coverage of the event, saying this was an important democratic process for the DAP.

"For example, the New Straits Times recently reported on its front page that Selangor (DAP) chief Teresa Kok lost to Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng ( below, second from left in photo ) for the women's chief post.

"How could thhat have happened when Teresa did not contest in the election for the Wanita chief post?"

"Surely what I say will also not appear on TV. You may criticise us in your reports, but please do it based on facts," he added.

dap wanita agm 091212 winner 01 A total of 66 hopefuls will be vying for 20 CEC posts in the party congress this weekend.

While the party has about 150,000 members from 730 branches, 2,576 delegates will were invited to the congress with about 700 observers from within the party.

A total of 50 special guests, including Pakatan Rakyat leaders and embassy representatives, are expected to be present for the opening of the event, which begins at around 9am tomorrow.

Delegates will cast their votes at about 12pm and the results of the new CEC line-up will most probably be announced after 2pm.

Kok: All delegates should vote

Meanwhile, Lim expressed hope that the delegates will focus on the achievements of Pakatan, especially after governing four states following the 2008 general elections.

"We are like a tripod, without a leg, we will collapse. DAP, together with PAS and PKR, is one of the main force in the coalition. It is important to pay attention to what DAP and Pakatan can do when we win federal power," he added.

NONE Lim said what happens this weekend would in a way determine the fate of the rakyat and future of the country.

He then announced the congress' theme this year ‘Power of Change is in your hands’.

"This is not just about democracy for DAP members but how we want to color the rakyat's lives," he said.

Meanwhile, Kok ( right ), who is DAP organising secretary and who was also at the press conference, called on all delegates to come in droves to cast their votes for the new party leadership.

"It is a very important congress because through this event, party members and leaders can solidify their relationships and arrange strategies for the coming general election."