DAP’s Descending into Infighting: Former MP Laments Party’s Current State
The DAP of Old
DAP’s Ong Kian Ming has expressed disappointment with the current state of the party, particularly with its chairman, Lim Guan Eng’s, public attack on an exco colleague over a issue of funds for their constituencies. The former Bangi MP lamented that this would not have been tolerated in the DAP he joined in 2012.
A Party of Harmony
The former minister said that the DAP he joined would have focused on promoting equal allocations for all MPs, regardless of their party affiliation. He stated that the DAP he knew would not have allowed two of its assemblymen to attack an exco colleague over the issue of funds for their constituencies.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Ong’s comments were in response to Lim’s public claim that some RM1.4 million of the RM5.6 million in funds set aside for his constituency, Bagan, had been "hijacked" by Tasek Gelugor. Lim claimed it was the second time that funds for Bagan had been "hijacked".
Flip-Flop and Confusion
However, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, of Perikatan Nasional, questioned Lim’s claim, asking if opposition-held areas were to be left out of development. Ong pointed out that the funding was meant to upgrade a trunk road linking the two areas, with RM4.2 million spent in Bagan and the balance in Tasek Gelugor. The RM1.4 million has since been returned, as the Bagan MP felt "cheated".
A House Divided
Ong was critical of the DAP’s handling of the issue, saying that the party he knew would not have allowed two assemblymen, K Kumaran and Chee Yeoh Keen, to publicly attack Zairil Khir Johari, the state executive councillor, on the same issue.
Conclusion
The DAP’s infighting and infidelity have raised concerns about the party’s focus and leadership. Ong’s remarks suggest that the party has strayed from its core values and principles. It remains to be seen whether the party will take heed of Ong’s words and return to its roots, or continue down the path of division and discord.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the DAP’s current state?
- According to Ong Kian Ming, the DAP has descended into infighting and infidelity.
- What is the issue with the funds for Bagan and Tasek Gelugor?
- The issue is the alleged "hijacking" of funds from Bagan to Tasek Gelugor, as claimed by Lim Guan Eng.
- What is the response of Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan?
- He questioned Lim’s claim, asking if opposition-held areas were to be left out of development.