DAP's priority must be to serve the people, and not to chase after 'datuk' titles like those in BN, party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said today.

"DAP does not want to see it become like BN in the past, where many of its members chased after these 'datuk' titles.

"I am not a 'datuk', but I have been a DAP leader for this long. This is the message we want to convey," Lim told reporters in the Parliament lobby today.

"We appreciate the titles granted, but I feel what is important is to serve the people and not give any impression that we are chasing after titles.

"I will not say it again. DAP's culture and our service to the people must be maintained. Do not become like MCA leaders, for the people's recognition is more important," he added.

The issue of DAP rejecting these titles cropped up last weekend, after the party’s state representatives in Malacca and Sabah received 'datuk' titles.

Yesterday, DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke issued a rebuke on behalf of the party, highlighting similar points as raised by Lim today.

Loke said party members can receive honours after retiring from service.

Sabah DAP chairperson Stephen Wong, who was among those who received a title, was reported by Free Malaysia Today as refusing to apologise to the party.

Asked if his statement was aimed at the Sabah DAP chief, Lim said that it was for all party members.