Malaysiakini sacrificed truthful reporting and journalistic integrity by publishing a false report against DAP leaders and DAP Penang State Assemblypersons, who are backbenchers and not holding any state government posts. Facing such an outrageous attack against the party, I felt duty bound to stand up for the 9 DAP Penang state backbenchers who were understandably furious at such a ferocious and dishonest attack on their loyalty and credibility.
Upon realising that their report cannot stand up to factual scrutiny and was indeed baseless, Malaysiakini immediately retracted the article and apologised. For a reputable premier online new portal like Malaysiakini to indulge in such irresponsible reporting is a salutary reminder of how extensive and exhaustive DAP’s opponents both from within and without, are intent on stoking up division and dissension to disrupt and even sabotage our winning chances in the coming state elections.
We can only speculate on the political motives and the identity of the mastermind of conspiracies. Clearly there have been repeated and concerted attempts from within and without to undermine and sabotage the DAP national leadership for refusing to submit to their views.
In light of the Malaysiakini false report, DAP leaders and members, especially elected representatives, should refrain from making any public comment relating to posts and candidature in the coming state election. For those who refuse to listen, ignore them and the party will act accordingly at an appropriate time.
The party makes the final decision on posts and election candidates. Therefore, leave all public statements to the top national leadership, especially to Party Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook. This will prevent our political opponents from manipulating any remarks in the run-up to the state elections.