DAP Youth divisions call for disciplinary action on Guan Eng's aide for insulting Sim

Summary

• Three DAP Youth divisions call for Lim Guan Eng’s aide to be disciplined for insulting Steven Sim after a tribute dinner for Lim Kit Siang on Saturday.

• They describe Tan Khong Chong’s behaviour as “insolent” and part of “hooligan culture”.

• They also chide senior party members for not intervening during the incident, with some even laughing over the matter.

Three DAP Youth divisions have urged the party to take disciplinary action against party chairperson Lim Guan Eng’s special assistant Tan Khong Chong after an altercation at a Penang DAP dinner on Saturday.

DAP Youth divisions from Bukit Mertajam, Tasek Gelugor, and Batu Kawan issued separate statements today condemning the incident where Tan insulted Penang DAP chairperson Steven Sim after a tribute event for DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

Batu Kawan DAP Youth chief Liinesh Selluandan said Tan’s “insolent and undisciplined” behaviour not only tarnished DAP's image, but also undermined the integrity and principles of the party, which is founded on democracy, discipline, and justice.

“We demand immediate and firm disciplinary action against Tan, who has violated party ethics and discipline by launching an open attack on the Penang DAP chairperson,” Liinesh (above, second left), who is also the DAP Youth vice-chief, added.

Tasek Gelugor DAP Youth chief Ooi Zong Zie chided several senior party members for failing to intervene during the attack, with some even responding with laughter.

“We strongly urge the DAP disciplinary committee to launch an immediate investigation and determine whether there was an orchestrated effort behind this incident.

"As senior party members, they should set an example, uphold party discipline, and maintain unity rather than exploit opportunities to create division,” he said.

DAP not a family business

Bukit Mertajam DAP Youth chief Chew Lee Oon stressed that DAP has always upheld discipline as a core principle and that any internal grievances should be expressed through proper channels.

He described Saturday night’s incident as an example of “hooligan culture.”

Chew also emphasised that DAP’s strength lies not in "personality cults" but in collective leadership.

“Party leaders must be democratically elected by members, not dominated by a particular family or individual. The party should not be treated as a family enterprise, nor should resources be used to consolidate personal or familial political interests.

“DAP must not operate according to the will of a single authoritarian figure but should continue upholding democratic decision-making.

"Leadership authority should belong to grassroots members rather than specific factions or family dynasties. No one should exploit family or local influence to impose their will and disregard party leadership,” he said.

Chew added that he would formally write to the Penang DAP state committee, requesting a thorough investigation into the incident.

Bukit Mertajam DAP Youth will also collect signatures to support disciplinary action against Tan.

Liinesh, Ooi, and Chew reaffirmed their support for Sim.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that Tan heckled Sim as the minister was greeting supporters at the Saturday event.

Tan had repeatedly shouted "traitor" and hurled a vulgar insult at Sim in Hokkien.

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