Media conference statement by Tan Kok Wai DAP National Headquarters in Petaling Jaya on Friday, 31^st July 2010:

Practice of issuance of support letters for business purpose by all Pakatan Rakyat elected and non-elected officials should be stopped.

The DAP Disciplinary Committee has deliberated on the practice of issuing business support letters in Selangor, especially in light of the recent allegation of improper conduct relating to the issuance of such support letters by a Klang Municipal Councillor.

The DAP does not condone the practice of issuing support letters for business or commercial purpose as it could be easily abused and misconstrued. All party elected and non-elected officials are hereby directed to henceforth refrain from issuing such business support letters.

As a matter of best practice, this directive should apply across the board to all Pakatan Rakyat (PR) elected and non-elected officials as well. This is in line with PR' s position of upholding the principle of good governance in state administration.

At the same time, all PR officials including state agencies should also disregard all business support letters that are issued to them in order to ensure that all commercial dealings are above board and to avoid any negative public perception of malpractice or favouritism.

However elected representatives are still allowed to issue letters of support for welfare assistance, appeals of reductions of summonses compounds, application of hawkers’ licenses, education loans and scholarships. This is perfectly acceptable as it is in the public interest.

The DAP Disciplinary Committee will not hesitate to take stern action against any party official who is found to breach the directive against issuing such business support letter.

All party officials must maintain the highest standard of ethical conduct in all dealings whether of a public or private nature. Only then can PR continue to inspire the confidence of the public.

* Tan Kok Wai, DAP National Vice Chairman, Disciplinary Committee Chairman and MP for Cheras