Finding hope together through Malaysian First - nation-building based on forging a Bangsa Malaysia to achieve economic prosperity that is shared by all

Media Statement

by Lim Guan Eng

(Petaling Jaya, Tuesday): The CEC at its meeting last night endorsed the decisions made at its annual political retreat 5-7 January 2007 conducted in Cameron Highlands. DAP rejects BN’s politics of fear in uniting Malaysians by dividing them according to race and religion.

DAP’s vision of nation-building is through Malaysian First based on forging a Bangsa Malaysia where this common identity and genuine national spirit allows the country to achieve economic prosperity that is shared by all.

There is only one Malaysian agenda that gives every one an equal opportunity of success

MALAYSIAN FIRST is a continuation of DAP’s original struggle for a Malaysian Malaysia. Malaysian First stresses the dual purpose of achieving national unity and economic prosperity amongst all Malaysians.

First, national unity should be based not on race or religion but on a common identity centered on democracy, freedom, justice, integrity and human dignity. Secondly the importance of becoming global champions in academic excellence, economic competitiveness, technological merit and knowledge management to ensure economic prosperity that is shared equitably with all Malaysians.

If we should not identify ourselves based on the colour of our skin or the Gods we pray, then what is the meaning of being Malaysian? DAP submits that being Malaysian should depend on certain universal values we share and can be proud of, particularly on democracy, freedom, justice, integrity and human dignity.

The second limb of economic prosperity brings meaning to national unity. National unity and economic progress are interdependent. Only with national unity can we secure the basis for economic progress. And only with economic progress can national unity be sustained.

This is our common destiny – achieving and enjoying prosperity together. We must emphasize wealth creation and an equitable wealth distribution relying on merit, performance, equal opportunity and needs.

There can be no Malay agenda, Chinese agenda, Kadazan agenda, Iban agenda or Indian agenda. There is only one Malaysian agenda that gives every one an equal opportunity of success. We see a Malaysian soul that is peaceful, inclusive, tolerant and respects everyone not one that is filled with hatred, exclusive, intolerant and oppresses other Malaysians. Let us give hope to all Malaysians who love freedom, democracy, integrity, justice and human dignity to put Malaysian first.

We want to find Malaysians who share such visions and idealism. The CEC decided to embark on a nation-wide program to share with Malaysians core issues that matter to them such as economic hardships caused by rising inflation and refusal of the government to reduce fuel prices, threat of crime to public safety, denial of educational opportunities(especially mother-tongue education), local government abuses of power, corruption and the failed promises of BN.

Following an increasingly hostile media that is controlled by BN, pamphlets on these core issues will be printed and distributed on a regular basis. The party machinery will be strengthened with new members and members need to exercise discipline and unity.

Becoming Secretary-General of DAP is already enough as it the highest post and greatest honour to me

DAP is a democratic party that belongs to its members. Members have the right to choose their own leaders. Since I became Secretary-General in 2004, the CEC have adopted my position of allowing State committees to function and not interfering in the leadership of State Committees. The CEC has not taken over State Committees since 2004 and do not intend doing so unless there is no choice.

As DAP Secretary-General, I have my hands full and have no intention of leading any State Committees. I had made this clear not only to Selangor state leaders and Sdr Ong Chee Keng but also to other states. I therefore regret allegations that the present leadership controversy in Selangor is caused by me wanting to come to Selangor as completely false and baseless. Becoming DAP SG is enough, as it is the highest post in the party and the greatest honour to me.

The CEC also discussed the complaints made by Sdr Ong Chee Keng on the emergency meeting by the Selangor State Committee on 12.1.2007 that removed him as State Chair. After free and frank discussions, the CEC decided to exercise its powers under Clause 11(5) of the party constitution to direct the Selangor State Committee to convene an emergency meeting on 8 pm Thursday 25.1.2007 at the DAP Selangor Headquarters to conduct a verification exercise on the leadership question relating to no-confidence motion and re-election.

CLAUSE XI   Duties of the Central Executive Committee

5.    The Central Executive Committee shall establish Branches and State Committees of the Party in Malaysia for such areas and states respectively at such times as it shall deem proper. It shall at all times guide and control the work of the Branches and State Committees in accordance with the policies laid down by the Party Congress and the objects of the Party.

The meeting shall be conducted by DAP National Legal Bureau Chair, Perak DAP Chair and ADUN for Sitiawan Sdr Ngeh Koo Ham. The meeting on Thursday night was fixed with the prior agreement of Sdr Ong Chee Keng as he said he was not free tomorrow night and had a court matter in Pahang on Wednesday.

DAP State Chairpersons are elected by members of the state committee. Members of the state committee are elected by branches. To be qualified to stand as a Chair, he or she must be a state committee member. As such State Committees elect State Chair and other office-bearers. Such powers to elect come also with the powers to remove.

Ong Chee Keng abruptly tendered his resignation after failing to withdraw and apologise for personally attacking CEC leaders as eunuchs

After the decision to fix the emergency Selangor State committee meeting was fixed on Thursday night, I had asked Sdr Ong whether he wanted to make any further complaints on the Selangor leadership controversy. Sdr Ong said he had no more complaints to make and had nothing more to pursue at that point.

I then asked Sdr Ong to explain his conduct in the press that is detrimental to the party in:

a) making false allegations against DAP CEC leaders and blaming CEC leaders for causing his ouster as Selangor DAP Chair as such baseless allegations are not supported by factual events or also by CEC witnesses including DAP National Vice-Chair Sdr M. Kulasegaran and National Organising Secretary Sdr Tan Kok Wai.

b) unjustified and unwarranted personal attacks against DAP CEC leaders in language that are stronger than those he used against MCA leaders such as “eunuchs”;

c) continuing to make press statements damaging to the party and refusing to use the internal party mechanism to resolve internal party matters.

DAP leaders including myself had not responded to Ong’s press campaign of false allegations because we wanted to resolve all party problems internally.

CEC leaders were offended by Sdr Ong using the term “eunuchs’” publicly in the press against CEC leaders, which is derogatory and uncultured. CEC leaders reminded Ong of the importance of working together as comrades and such public insults are false, uncomradely and unacceptable.

Many CEC leaders had sacrificed for the party by going to prison, arrested and beaten up by police or sued in court and to be called a “eunuch” is completely unjustified and irresponsible. Sdr Ong admitted that he used the words and refused to withdraw and apologise. Ong then abruptly announced his resignation from all posts.

For Sdr Ong to say in the press that he resigned in protest against the decision of the party of not following the constitution is not correct as he resigned because he did not want to apologise and withdraw the words “eunuch” hurled against CEC leaders.

Whether he has performed or not is for the members and leaders to decide. But he should not blame others for losing confidence of members or make false allegations why he was removed by 14 out of 20 Selangor State Committee members. Sdr Ong is well-educated but this does not give him the right to spread lies, which he has regrettably done so since the very first day he was ousted as State Chairman.

It is irresponsible to blame the party leadership when members exercise their democratic rights. DAP respect democratic principles in accordance with the party constitution and should avoid giving the public impression of trying to cling on to power after having lost confidence and support of the members.

The CEC urges all leaders and members to learn from this unfortunate episode that members must use the internal party mechanism to resolve internal problems. Failure to do so would result in the press highlighting negative reports that would only damage the party.

(23/1/2007)