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Keadilan tried to divert from the real issue by attacking DAP as practicing racial politics
Press Statement by Loke Siew Fook (Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): It was reported in Malaysiakini that Keadilan vice-president Tian Chua reminded the DAP that if it remained adamant of contesting in Chinese-majority seats, it would only confirm the claim that it practiced ‘racial politics’. He further urged DAP to respond to his party’s charge that it was practicing ‘racial politics’ instead of seeking to divert attention from the issue.
It is obvious that it is Keadilan who is trying to divert from the real issues raised by the DAP on why we suspended the negotiation with them. The DAP has suspended the negotiation with Keadilan last week due to two fundamental problems in the negotiation process:
A few days ago, Keadilan negotiation chief, Dr Xavier Jayakumar has said that Keadilan wanted the negotiation process to be resumed. However, it doesn’t seems that the Keadilan leaders are addressing the real issues and concerns of the DAP and denied that they have violated the agreement not to leak out details of the negotiation process. Instead, they are trying to paint a bad picture of the DAP and accused us as practicing racial politics by wanting to contest in Chinese-majority seats.
The real concern of the DAP with Keadilan is they are not sincere and professional enough in dealing with the negotiation process. For instance, on 31st July, one day after the last meeting between DAP and Keadilan negotiation team, Penang Keadilan chief Dr. Mansor gave an exclusive interview to Kwong Wah Yit Poh. He revealed what was discussed in the meeting and among others he said the DAP wanted to contest 8 Parliamentary seats and 20 State seats in Penang and named all the seats to the press. This was not the first incident. In the last few months throughout the negotiation process, Keadilan has tried to use the media to put public pressures on the DAP to achieve their objectives despite DAP voicing our unhappiness.
The announcement by Azmin Ali of their candidates in two constituencies has confirmed their insincerity towards the DAP. The DAP never announced any candidates so far for any particular constituency as we believe such announcement will only damper the relationships within the two parties.
I call on the Keadilan top leaderships to immediately address the two issues raised by the DAP and show their sincerity and professionalism. They must realize that continued bickering in the media will bring no benefits to both parties. We are committed to reach an understanding before the next general election but Keadilan must be realistic in their demands.
(13/8/2003) * Loke Siew Fook, DAPSY National Secretary and member of DAP’s seats negotiation committee |