Melaka DAP chairperson Sim Tong Him today admitted that there are cliques in the party, but denied that former party leader Lim Guan Eng had a hand in what appears to be a "factional war".

There are speculations that the state DAP is divided into those aligned with Lim ( photo ) on one hand and DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock on the other.

"It's not right to say Guan Eng comes into the picture," Sim said when asked if the former Youth chief was involved in the current debacle in the state DAP.

He said the 'factionalism' in DAP is not serious enough to affect the running of the party.

Today, The Star reported that 'war' is brewing between factions in Melaka DAP. This is following the alleged assault on Bukit Beruang state secretary Steven Ho by state deputy chairman Goh Leong San.

Several police reports have been lodged on the matter, starting on Saturday with Ho who alleged that Goh had pushed him at the party headquarters during the DAP Wanita state elections on Friday. Meanwhile, those backing Goh also lodged police reports against Ho for allegedly using vulgar language on Goh's family.

Sim claimed that Ho has been "going after" Goh, since the DAP state convention in October, when a dispute on the minutes occurred. Ho held Goh responsible for the minutes.

When contacted by malaysiakini , Ho said the brouhaha only started when he questioned the state leadership on the "badly organised" Melaka Wanita DAP elections. He claimed that the delegates were not provided with food and drinks.

Ho said he lodged the police report against Goh in his personal capacity and it does not involve the party.

Gag order

Meanwhile, DAP disciplinary committee chairperson Chong Eng instructed all Melaka DAP leaders and members to stop making any statement on the issue.

"It is the duty and responsibility of every dedicated and disciplined member to uphold the party's image and therefore no one should make any public statement that can tarnish the image of the party," she said.

The disciplinary committee will investigate the dispute and all the parties involved will be asked to assist in the inquiry, Chong said.

"Action will be taken against any leader or member who ignores the disciplinary committee's decision," she warned.