DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) branches have been told to resolve issues with the Penang government or local councils internally, instead of blasting it in public or the social media.

Tanjong Dapsy secretary Wong Lai Kin said today the advice was directed to all committee members and individuals in the party.

"The Youth wing ought to defend the image of the party and state government instead of performing individually, via public channels like the social media, press statements or conferences.

"These can undermine the party's image and influence the rakyat's perception of the state government and local councils in Penang," Wong said in a statement to Malaysiakini.

This call is also made in a two-point resolution passed by the branch's annual general meeting on Sunday.

Wong did not mention names but the party's Tanjong assemblyperson Teh Yee Cheu is a maverick who has often irked the DAP state leadership for his views and for putting its leaders in a spot.

Teh (photo) has consistently lobbied that the post of Penang chief minister, held by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng since 2008, should be limited to two terms.

Teh has also single-handedly supported an Umno motion against the state's reclamation projects in last year's November sitting of the Penang legislative assembly.

He later apologised for his "mistake" and withdrew his support.

Issue more press statements

Meanwhile, Wong said the Youth wing wants more press statements to be issued and press conferences to be held by its leaders.

"Youth leaders are usually on the frontline in defending the party from any political attacks," said Wong.

"Dapsy branches are responsible for taking appropriate action in responding to issues that should not overlap with the party's struggles when our leaders face baseless allegations," he added.

"However, Dapsy leaders should remain cautious during press events or when issuing statements so that these do not violate the existing laws especially the Sedition Act."

It is believed the resolution is a response to Penang Gerakan acting Youth chief Jason Loo, who has been persistently hammering the state government on the undersea tunnel issue.

Wong also announced the branch's 2016/2017 committee members, which is led by Wong Yuee Harng.

The branch's youth vice-chief is Lim Yew King, assistant secretary Goh Jin Shuh, treasurer Tan Jin Tat and organising secretary Teoh Khau Wei.