DAP will not be taking action against the youth leader who has asked chairperson Lim Kit Siang to decline nominations for this year's party elections in August.

Party disciplinary chairperson Chong Eng told malaysiakini that Teng Chang Khim, who made the call to Lim to 'back off', was entitled to express his own opinions.

She said the party has not talked or thought about taking action on Teng over the issue as its committee will only do so when a member acts with the intention of damaging or tarnishing the party's image.

"There is democracy in the party. Everyone is entitled to voice his or her opinions, whether we agree to the opinions or not," she said, when asked at the Parliament lobby today.

"The manner in which the individual wants to voice his or her opinion is also up to the individual," she added.

Yesterday, DAP national youth chairperson Teng Chang Khim told reporters that Lim 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.

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

"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," Teng conceded.

'No one can equal'

Chong, who is also DAP deputy secretary-general, however refuted Teng's claim that Lim's 'overbearing' influence will make things difficult for the party.

She said Lim was voted back repeatedly because he was a good statesman and an excellent leader whom "no one can equal".

"In a democratic process, members can choose which leader they want to support," said the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bukit Mertajam.

"As far as standing for elections is concerned, anyone who is nominated by two branches can contest and it is up to the individual to decide (whether to contest or not)," she added.

Chong also denied that young leaders had no future in DAP.

"There is still a lot of room to explore in the DAP as long as it is done within the party's principles," she said.

Entitled to own view

MP for Batu Gajah, Fong Po Kuan, who is in her mid-20s, also expressed support for Lim.

"In this past two years, he has always been guiding and encouraging me. I have a lot to learn from him as he is very experienced and has contributed much to the party and nation," she told malaysiakini .

Of Teng's action, Fong said, "I am not saying whether he (Teng) is right or wrong. All I am saying is that he is entitled to his own views."

DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock said he had spoken to Teng and the latter had explained that he was only airing his opinion. Kerk denied there was any internal crisis within DAP.

Asked if this issue will be brought up at tonight's central committee meeting, Kerk said, "I don't know, perhaps."