The DAP disciplinary committee has today suspended Pulau Tikus assemblyperson Koay Teng Hai's membership for six months, beginning Monday.

NONE The decision was made after Koay ( left ) was found to have breached party discipline when he failed to attend a state assembly sitting at which the anti-hopping Penang Constitutional Enactment (Amendment) Bill 2012 was passed , said party disciplinary committee chairperson Tan Kok Wai.

"Koay suspension will be effective from next Monday, upon issuance of a copy of the written notice.

"Koay can appeal (the suspension) to the party central committee within 14 days," he said.

Tan added that this would mean Koay may not be fielded as a candidate in the upcoming general election should he fail in his appeal.

'Party's image could have been tarnished'

When asked if this would mean Koay's political career is at stake, Tan said the committee did not consider the matter when making its decision.

Tan explained that the party had been a "victim" of member-hopping over the decades, particularly when Perak was grabbed by BN as several state assemblypersons quit their parties.

Tan said Koay, as the Penang Backbenchers Club chairperson, had a great responsibility to make sure all Pakatan Rakyat representatives attended the state sitting.

"There are 29 PR state assemblypersons in Penang, (with) at least 27 needed to pass the state Constitutional Enactment," he said, adding that with the absence of both Koay and executive councillor Lydia Ong, the Bill was passed with only 27 votes.

Ong, who is Berapit assemblyperson, did not attend the sitting that day as her father was ill and so was forced to take leave.

Tan said Pakatan’s image could have been tarnished and its integrity questioned if something had gone wrong during that sitting.

"Koay's application (for leave) had been turned down twice by Chief Minister (Lim Guan Eng), yet he insisted on going to the USA.

"He made a huge mistake, when he should have set a good example instead," criticised Tan further.

Meanwhile, in an SMS to Malaysiakini , Koay confirmed his suspension.