DAP members are allowed to go to Indera Kayangan but are barred from assisting other parties in their by-election campaign, said party disciplinary committee chairperson Chong Eng today.

According to her, the DAP central executive committee's decision on Dec 30 last year does not restrict members from going but they must observe the directives not to contest or assist in the campaign of any party.

The Jan 19 by-election in the northern state of Perlis was called following the death of incumbent Khor Tiang Lee, who was also the state MCA chief, last month.

Barisan Nasional will be represented by retired school headmistress and Perlis Wanita MCA chief Oui Ah Lan while Keadilan is expected to field retired school teacher Khoo Yang Chong.

Asked if the party will take disciplinary action against DAP member of parliament for Nibong Tebal, Goh Kheng Huat, who has insisted on going to Indera Kayangan, Chong replied:"It will depend on what he does there."

"As long as Goh adheres to the two (directives), it is fine," said Chong, who is also the MP for Bukit Mertajam.

She said Goh was the only DAP member who had so far openly declared his intention of going.

Yesterday, DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock sent a letter to Goh officially informing him not to contest or assist in the by-election.

Goh's argument that he will assist in the by-election "in his personal capacity" is completely untenable, said Kerk.

The Star today reported that Goh is defying the party leadership by pledging to campaign for the Keadilan candidate, regardless of who it may be.

Goh was quoted as saying, "I will be there in Indera Kayangan tomorrow. I will personally wish the Keadilan candidate good luck".

He stressed that he was standing by his decision and is well aware of the consequences.

Goh, a protege of former Penang DAP strongman Gooi Hock Seng, who is now in Keadilan, said it is up to party members and the people to interpret if his actions are defiant.

No place for mavericks

Meanwhile, DAP deputy chairperson Karpal Singh issued a statement today denouncing Goh's defiance.

"No one in the party has the prerogative to make his own decision and then insist that decision stays. That amounts to intimidating the party," he said, adding that DAP will not tolerate any defiance of the decision.

"The party has no place for mavericks going on a frolic of their own for personal reasons in the campaign leading up to the by-election," he said.

One other DAP leaders who will also be there despite the CEC decision is national publicity secretary Ronnie Liu.

However, Liu will be there in his capacity as advisor to the SJK (C) Damansara 'Save Our School' committee which is opposing the government's decision to relocate the school.

The SOS is hoping to garner the support of the by-election candidates in order to realise their aim of having the old school reopened in Sec 17, Petaling Jaya.