The central DAP leadership has set up a special committee to assist its Malacca chapter following the resignations of four elected representatives in the state last Sunday.

DAP Ayer Keroh assemblyperson Khoo Poay Tiong told Malaysiakini that the decision was announced by party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng during a meeting attended by some 200 leaders and members last night.

According to Khoo, the committee will comprise party vice-chairperson Teresa Kok, national organising secretary Anthony Loke and its political education director Liew Chin Tong.

"We (Malacca DAP) have to move on.

"We will take over their services in the four DAP-held seats from which the representatives resigned," he said.

The four - Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him (photo), Duyong assemblyperson Goh Leong San, Bachang assemblyperson Lim Jak Wong and Kesidang assemblyperson Chin Choong Seong - cited disappointment with party leaders, whom they accused of straying away from DAP's original goals, as the reason for their departure.

Their resignations have left DAP with three state seats - Kota Laksamana, Bandar Hilir and Ayer Keroh, and no MP in Malacca.

Khoo also said among other DAP central leaders present during the meeting at the party's Malacca headquarters were its acting chairperson Tan Kok Wai, Selangor chief Tony Pua, Youth chief Teo Kok Seong and assistant national publicity secretary Teo Nie Ching.

"After listening to the explanations, we feel that the members can now accept the situation," he added.

In welcoming the resignations, Tan on Sunday claimed that the four had changed and described them as a "cancer" within the party.

Responding to Tan’s accusation yesterday, Sim said cancer grows from inside and urged the DAP to perform a "check-up" to detect more hidden cells before these spread further.