DAP's central executive committee (CEC) should not just inform party members about the "decade-old-understanding" on receiving titles, but also write to state rulers on the matter, says Malacca DAP chairperson Tey Kok Kiew.

In a press conference in Malacca today, Tey said this would prevent others from being reprimanded by DAP as he was when he received a state award bearing the title 'datuk' by state governor Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

"Regarding the CEC's decision that all MPs, assemblypersons, council members and exco members should reject titles conferred to them, I will abide by the party's decision.

"No matter what the party's decision is, I will follow it.

"However, I urge the CEC to not only inform DAP members about the ruling, but state rulers as well, so that a predicament similar to mine will not happen to others, and so that the matter can be brought to a closure," he said at the press conference, the video of which was uploaded by Oriental Daily.

'I did contact leaders'

Although DAP said that Tey did not inform party about receiving the award, the Bandar Hilir assemblyperson said that he had in fact been in touch with several party leaders. 

"On Oct 8, I called DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, and on Oct 9, I also discussed the matter with secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

"And then on Oct 11, I also contacted DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai, and on the same day, tried contacting national political education director Liew Chin Tong, but to no avail," said Tey.

Tey also apologised to Khalil over the backlash, and reiterated his loyalty to the Malacca governor.

Apart from Tey, the other DAP lawmakers who also received titles are Malacca state legislative assembly speaker Wong Fort Pin, Sabah chairperson Stephen Wong, Sabah vice-chairperson Frankie Poon and Sri Tanjung assemblyperson Jimmy Wong.

Yesterday, DAP assistant national treasurer Ngeh Koo Ham said all elected representatives from the party will be required to refer any offers of titles to the CEC before a decision is made on whether these can be accepted.

Loke also yesterday reprimanded party leaders who claimed ignorance of the party's stance on awards.

Citing himself as an example, Lim, reminded party leaders to not "chase after titles" like BN.