Nepotism charge in Gerakan: DAP 'unethical' for releasing letter

Federal Territory Gerakan assistant secretary K K Supramaniam has hit out at the DAP for "unethically" publicising an internal circular, which he penned, calling for disciplinary action against party deputy youth chief Lim Si Pin and party advisor Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

Contacted by Malaysiakini yesterday, Supramaniam denied that he any involvement in the leaking of the letter and described DAP’s action as an embarrassment.

"This is meant for internal circulation only. Their actions are an embarrassment to me," said Supramaniam, adding that he is considering suing the DAP over the matter.

Asked about the contents of the letter, Supramaniam said that it was only supposed to be circulated among party office bearers, particularly the party’s powerful decision making body - the central working committee.

"I write this type of letter very often. This is a democratic process in the party. My intention is to self regulate (party affairs)," he added.

Kwong Wah Yit Poh reported on Thursday that DAP Penang chief and Tanjung MP Chow Kon Yeow revealed the letter, dated Jan 25, to the press.

Among others, the letter that was addressed to party secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye, accused Si Pin of being a benefactor of nepotism perpetuated by his father and former party president Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

Hard-hitting letter

Supramaniam’s letter also called for disciplinary action against Si Pin for having made statements published in the New Straits Times on Jan 19 which was deemed detrimental to the party and its leadership.

In the New Straits Times article, Si Pin was quoted as saying that there was a need to limit the party’s candidates in the general election to two terms in order to narrow a gap between newcomers and veterans.

In the letter, Supramaniam argued that Si Pin was indirectly suggesting that acting party president Dr Koh Tsu Koon, party deputy president Dr Teng Hock Nan, Chia and four other party stalwarts including Gerakan federal territories chief Dr Tan Kee Kwong, must retire from seeking public office.

"My question is, who gave him (Si Pin) the authority to issue such a statement? He has disregarded the team spirit of Gerakan and he should have consulted other party leaders before making such statement to demoralise Gerakan federal territories members," wrote Supramaniam.

On Keng Yaik, Supramaniam wrote that he too had made statements to the press that were deemed damaging and should be barred from issuing further statements o the media.

He argued that Keng Yaik had previously promised not to interfere in party affairs but, according to the author, had interfered three times with alleged suggestions to protect those aligned to him in the party.

In a similar vein, Supramaniam also questioned why Keng Yaik was attending party central working committee meetings despite only being a party advisor.

"Actually, the central committee members have invited trouble and have shown that all of you need the crutches," he wrote.

Investigate claims

Supramaniam expressed hope that the central working committee would expedite investigations into his allegations.

"I expect action to be taken. I believe they will consider pros and cons (of what I wrote) and that they will discuss the matter. They should take action otherwise I will write more letters," he warned.

However, he said he had yet to receive any response from the central working committee on the letter.

Contacted for comments, Si Pin skirted questions regarding Supramaniam's letters.

"I'm not sure how to answer you. I've heard from others about this letter", said Si Pin, who said to be vying for the Segambut parliament seat which is located in Kuala Lumpur.

He stressed that the most important thing now for party members was to prepare for the general elections.