Delegates at the Penang DAP state convention have ticked off the party over an increasing number of disciplinary problems, especially following its success in the 2008 and 2013 general elections.

They also raised the issue of state government staff who have given the party a “bad image” by attacking the press.

Taman Chai Leng (Prai) delegate Shamsher Singh Thind cited the example of a publicity and information department staff member who levelled personal attacks against two journalists.

The individual in question is believed to be the editor of the state's fortnightly newsletter, Buletin Mutiara , who made the claims in on her blog.

During the debate session, Shamsher read out the offending blog posts, one touching on a journalist's religion and the other accusing a reporter from the print media of "prostituting" his work to an online portal.

"Are these appropriate comments? If the report is wrong, we can ask the reporter concerned to correct the story. If they refuse to do it, we can take them to court," he said.

"We often complain that the mainstream media is controlled by BN and Umno, but now we are attacking the alternative media, which has helped us convey the truth to the rakyat.

"This is not appropriate. Even though (the editor’s) comments are (made in a) personal (capacity), it would certainly affect the party badly (because of) her post (in the state government).”

NONE Shamsher said another example was Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi's dismissal of low-ranking Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) workers as kucing kurap (small fry).

Ooi (left) only apologised after getting an earful from DAP national chief Karpal Singh, who had threatened to refer him for disciplinary action if he refused to do so.

"But (Ooi) should apologise to MPPP and not just to Karpal to show his good intentions or the media will report that he is only doing it for show," Shamsher noted.

Another veteran - Mat Isa Derus - from Nibong Tebal backed Shamsher's remarks, saying he has noticed a rising trend in lack of discipline among party leaders.

"Our party is DAP. It is not just the Democratic Action Party but Disiplin Asas Parti (discipline is foundation of the party)," Mat Isa said.

"We have to be disciplined in the party and in our work. The rakyat can do whatever it wants to us, but we must maintain our discipline.”

Media attacked

Batu Lanchang delegate Lee Kean Loon blasted the media for playing up claims of factionalism leading up to yesterday’s polls.

While chiding the media for "spinning and twisting" issues, Lee also told DAP members "to respect the party and raise their grievances through the right channels".

phee boon poh 140708 In response, state executive councillor and Sungai Puyu assemblyperson Phee Boon Poh (left) reminded members not to attack the entire media fraternity when "only one or two have been responsible" for offensive reports on the DAP.

Replying to Lee, state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow said it would be difficult to "control" the party's leaders or members in speaking to the press.

"Many issues discussed within the party and which have not yet been decided on have been leaked to the press. This is rather disappointing," said Chow, also a state executive councillor.

"... This is not the media's fault but that of our members who want to expose confidential matters to the public. However, this does not always happen.”