DAP should not follow Umno's footsteps in delaying its party elections as it is just an attempt to protect secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's political career, says youth group Challenger.

Its president, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, said the group was "appalled" by DAP's announcement yesterday that it had decided to postpone its leadership elections, in line with its constitution.

"We view DAP's decision as an attempt to bend the spirit of democracy to protect Lim's political career, similar to how Umno is securing Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's career and (former prime minister) Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the 1980s and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in the mid-2000s," Syed Saddiq said in a statement today.

He said in June last year, Najib had likewise announced Umno was delaying its party elections in line with the party's constitution. Mahathir, too, had made a similar move when he was prime minister.

The timing of DAP's decision cannot be "more obvious" as Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, was slapped with two corruption charges late last month, Syed Saddiq said.

While acknowledging that the system is biased, he said Lim (photo) needs to lead by example and take leave from public office until his name is cleared.

Otherwise, the chief minister's position will enable him to restrict the investigation against him and the civil servants in the Penang state government, he said.

"Our position to call for an end to selective prosecution stands and we continue to demand for no less than equal treatment for those in power," he said.

Syed Saddiq also called on DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua to stand by his principles on the matter.

"We urge DAP not to follow the heavily criticised Umno ways, especially in the postponement of elections - a practice done for decades.

"By doing this, does DAP represent the change that the young generation desire desperately?

"Challenger wants change. We long to see the emergence of a political party that is true to its principles and cause.

"One that does not compromise on its principles for the sake of one man is a true democrat," he said.

Yesterday, DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke said the party is postponing its party leadership elections to focus on the next general election.

The CEC is due for re-election on Sept 29, but the party's constitution allows internal elections to be postponed for up to 18 months if a general election is due within two years.

However, Lim can still contest for a post in the CEC.