DAP long-time leader Lim Kit Siang has been asked by the party's youth chief to decline nomination for all leadership posts at the national congress next month.

DAP national youth chairperson Teng Chang Khim told reporters today that Lim ( photo ) had led the party for 32 years and it was time for him to give up his post to pave the way for younger leadership.

"Lim has been either chairperson or secretary-general for almost a generation. I don't think the younger generation will place hope in him for the next 30 years," Teng told reporters at a press conference in his office in Selangor today.

"However, if he still chooses to stand for elections, he will still be voted in with big numbers due to his influence in the party," the youth leader conceded.

The press conference was organised by Teng to file a complaint against the Attorney-General's office on the matter of delayed action on police reports filed by complainants.

However, Teng was later asked to comment on the DAP national congress this year and whether Lim will still be nominated into the party's central committee.

DAP will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 18 for their annual national congress in which the delegates will vote in a new central committee.

It is believed the Islamic state issue which has been a thorn in the flesh for DAP and PAS - threatening a split in the opposition front Barisan Alternatif to which both belong together with PRM and Keadilan - will be one of the main issues discussed during the congress.

It is also expected that delegates will decide whether DAP should stay or leave the opposition front if the Islamic state issue cannot be resolved.

Teng said DAP leaders had tried to reform the party since 1991 but failed.

No plot

"Despite three attempts - in 1991, 1996 and 2000, we failed to reform our party because Lim's influence was too strong," Teng said.

"Now we need a new leadership paradigm or else Lim's continued influence will pose difficulties to the party," he added.

Teng said he was merely giving his opinion and stressed that there is no plot to overthrow Lim.

He added that he was practising democracy in the party as members are free to voice their opinions.

"I truly recognise Lim's contribution to the party and nation. If he declines nomination, I will definitely support him if he were to lead the party's strategy and policy research committee," said Teng.

"He still has a role to play. In fact, if he were elected as a parliamentarian, I would support him as the opposition leader if DAP has the most seats in Parliament," he added.