http://dapmalaysia.org  
Suspension of seat negotiation: Decision and reasons conveyed to PKN 

 
Media Statement
by Kerk Kim Hock

(Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): The DAP has decided to suspend with immediate effect the seat negotiation between the DAP and Parti Keadilan Nasional   (PKN) because of two reasons:  

  1. persistent leak-outs of negotiation details and negative public comments by PKN leaders; and
  2. unjustified and unwarranted open criticisms and attacks by PKN leaders against the DAP arising from arguments and disagreements during the seat negotiation process

The above incidents have occurred despite objections raised by DAP representatives during the seat negotiation process as exemplified by the latest outburst from Penang PKN chief Dr Mansor Othman against the DAP which was reported in Malaysiakini two days ago.

 

In fact, I have personally expressed to Keadilan leaders, including Khalid Jaafar, my concern about the unhealthy practices and the urgent need to stop them. The last time when I conveyed such a message was in June this year.

 

The DAP Central Executive Committee which met on 28.7.2003 decided to ask our negotiating team to convey the Party’s concerns and objections to the PKN representatives. 

 

Unfortunately, the latest outburst has proven that our objections have not been taken seriously in spite of the fact that the DAP and PKN Negotiation Committees themselves have actually agreed that all matters relating to negotiations will only be publicly revealed through joint statements.

 

When the DAP and PKN were involved in the seat negotiations in the pre 1999 general election, we faced more difficult and daunting tasks, but never once were details ever leaked out and public attacks made on the negotiation partners.

 

DAP is committed to working closely with PKN to ensure that the people’s strength can be consolidated to fight for democracy, justice and freedom. It is such commitment that has prompted us to write to PKN in October last year to call for the formal seat negotiations between the two parties.

 

It is therefore most unfortunate and indeed unacceptable that PKN leaders have chosen to conduct the seat negotiations in a way that has not only complicated the process of negotiation, but has tarnished the image of opposition parties and disappointed the opposition supporters.

 

The DAP has no choice but to suspend the seat negotiation with immediate effect.

 

I have today, by fax, conveyed the DAP’s decision and reasons to Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, President of Parti Keadilan Nasional.


(6/8/2003)

* Kerk Kim Hock, DAP Secretary General & MP for Kota Melaka