Next general election: Opposition parties
should ensure straight fights against Barisan Nasional
Press Statement
by Kerk Kim Hock
(Petaling Jaya,
Monday):
At the DAP National Conference held yesterday at Kuala Lumpur Federal Hotel,
I had said “ the question of DAP returning to the Barisan Alternative does
not arise anymore.”
Nevertheless, I had pledged our preparedness to cooperate with the
opposition parties to ensure one to one fights between the Opposition and
the Barisan Nasional in the coming general election that is widely expected
to be held this year.
In fact, there has been increasing speculation that the Prime Minster may
even dissolve the Parliament before he retires on 31.10.2003 as inter and
intra Barisan Nasional component parties disputes intensifies.
In order to achieve the objective of ensuring one to one to fights against
the Barisan Nasional, DAP has, in late October last year, written to the
President of Parti Keadilan Nasional. Datin Wan Azizah has responded and
indicated her Party's willingness to carry out seat negotiation with the
DAP.
Although the process has yet to begin, I am positive that the meetings will
produce fruitful results.
Highest degree of Party unity and discipline in the face of the toughest
electoral battle for the DAP
The coming general election was the main topic of discussion at yesterday’s
National Conference.
While taking part in the Central Executive Committee, some delegates
stressed on the need to maintain Party unity and discipline and appealed to
all Party leaders to untilise proper internal party communication channels
to bring up their grievances and problems.
The delegates appealed to Party leaders not to tarnish Party image through
public statements or speeches at Dinner functions.
I was most heartened that where past debates on the question of breaches of
party discipline would quickly cause some participants to take partisan
position and engage in hot debates, yesterday’s debate was very positive and
encouraging; with delegates making sincere appeals, even urging leaders not
to shatter their dreams of joining the DAP.
As such, I had suggested that the decision made by the Central Executive
Committee on 5.1.2003 directing the Disciplinary Committee to severely deal
with breaches of party discipline with immediate effect, should instead be
directed at any new breach which happens from today, that is , after
yesterdays’ decision has been made public.
I was glad that the delegates accepted my suggestion.
All Party leaders and members must display the highest degree of Party unity
and discipline in the face of our toughest general election speculated even
to be held as early as May or July this year.
(13/1/2003)
* Kerk Kim Hock,
DAP Secretary General and MP for Kota
|
http://dapmalaysia.org