Selangor DAP delegate Ng Suee Lim has called for direct elections for key party posts instead of being negotiated amongst the central executive committee (CEC) members.

He said this is to take account of DAP's increasing membership and to curb money politics, which he claim is taking root in the party.

"I think it is time to review the changes in the central party leadership. Let all our members elect the secretary-general, chairperson and important party post directly.

"Why? Because our membership is increasing and some leaders are showing early signs of engaging in money politics. It is not clear-cut, but the signs are there.

"Therefore, we must change the system to a direct election and I am confident that corruption and money politics in the party can be cut to a minimum," he said.

Ng, who is also the Sekinchan assemblyperson, said this when debating the party chairperson's policy speech yesterday during the 16th DAP National Congress in Penang.

'Prevent money politics'

In response, party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said he had spoken to Ng and said he clarified that he was not saying that there was money politics in the party.

Instead, he said Ng had heard talk that money politics is becoming a possibility and steps should be taken to prevent this from occurring.

This was opposed to media reports today of Ng's speech that said there is already money politics in DAP.

"In our party today and through the past 46 years, our party has never practiced money politics.

Lim Guan Eng at DAP AGM "We don't know how to sing this money politics ‘tune', only Umno, MCA, MIC, and Gerakan are good at singing it.

"We only know how to sing ‘Ubah'. The song ‘Money, Money, Money' is BN's," said Lim ( left ) in his winding-up speech today, adding that the CEC would consider his views.

When met later, Ng confirmed Lim's clarification.

'No kickbacks'

Lim, who is also the Penang chief minister, also reiterated that he is proud that in DAP's four years in power, no party member had ever asked him for kickbacks.

Meanwhile, another delegate from Melaka suggested yesterday that the CEC should increase to at least 25 members, from the current 20.

Tew Kok Kiew of the Parameswara branch also suggested that the DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) chief should be given an ex-officio position in the CEC.

He said this is to provide the youth leader an opportunity to learn from other experienced leaders.

Lim responded that this was a good suggestion and would also be considered.