The DAP central leadership is holding back its response on the recent chaos which has erupted within its Malacca division, where the party's opposition leader and whip quit, claiming to be in the bad books of their colleagues for praising the state's chief minister.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (left) said the party was awaiting official letters of resignations from assemblypersons Goh Leong San (Duyong) and Lim Jak Wong (Bachang), who tendered their resignations yesterday.

"We would wait for the letters instead of just relying on media reports.

"I have also spoken to DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh and we decided to wait for the official letters before we decide what to do," Lim told reporters after attending an event at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel here in Penang.

Lim refused to discuss further about the issue when asked whether it was wrong for Goh to praise Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron at the recent state legislative assembly.

"That is all I have to say about the matter for now," Lim said.

Goh's (right) description of Idris as "knowledgeable, well-read and systematic" while having a clear mission to develop the state irked his comrades - assemblypersons Khoo Poay Tiong (Ayer Keroh) and Lai Kuen Ban (Kota Laksamana).

Both held a press conference in Malacca to distant themselves from Goh's statement.

Goh decided to quit, yesterday saying he was "forced" to do so as he could no longer represent the opposition pact.

In support of him, Jak Wong also declared he would quit as state opposition whip, saying he could not work for another DAP assemblyperson.

The duo said they had handed their letters to Karpal.

Memorandum of intent signing ceremony

Lim made these remarks after attending the memorandum of intent signing ceremony between the Universiti of Hull and ALC College, a subsidiary of PKT Logistics.

During the signing ceremony, Lim applauded PKT Logistics for its proactive approach to collaborate with the University of Hull at a campus to be located at Batu Kawan.

“I strongly believe the setting up of the University of Hull will enable students from Malaysia and surrounding regions to study in Penang and eventually work and live here,” Lim said in his opening speech.

Lim said the Penang government is taking steps to improve both the quality and quantity of higher education and boosting technological readiness, especially in information and communications technology penetration.

“Besides these initiatives, the allocation of RM12 million to secondary and primary schools, the establishment of famous secondary school and the Asian Leadership University will certainly enhance Penang’s education efforts,” he added.

Also present were University of Hull pro-vice-chancellor Prof Ian Pashby, PKT Logistics Group chairperson Wira Jalilah Baba and ALC College chief executive officer Edmund Edward.