SIBU: Several BN leaders were stunned by the ‘swift justice’ imposed by DAP on its six members.
“The tough measure doesn’t bode well with the party that claims to profess democracy,” they said, adding that cracks were showing in the party.
“I was stunned and shocked by this decision of a party that supposedly professes to practise democracy and freedom of speech,” commented PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said he would expect such an action coming only from a communist or an autocratic government.
“The ‘sin’ of the six members was for voicing their disagreement towards the central DAP’s decision on the choice of candidate and surely needn’t warrant expulsion! Is the Sarawak DAP being run by one or two autocratic leaders who dictate the direction of the party?
“Where’s the transparency? I can’t imagine if they are the one managing the government. It might be worse than Hitler or PolPot!” Abdul Karim remarked.
According to press reports, the six were sacked with immediate effect for insubordination and repeatedly tarnishing the party’s image.
State DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen told a press conference in Kuching on Wednesday that the letter had been sent to all the six members.
The continuous open protests against the party’s decision to nominate Senadin branch chief Lim Su Kien for Miri in the impending general election led to the expulsion of the six.
The group axed had proposed Lim swapped seat with Chong, staging a banner protest recently to get their message across.
Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman, said, “Where are the many DAP YBs who profess to be transparent, upholding the principle of democracy, freedom and free speech?
“All have hidden their heads in the sand like ostriches and don’t want to be involved…lest the big leader might ‘swing his sword’ again.”
Asked if this was a sign that all was not well with DAP, he figured this could be so.
Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee said yesterday the measure taken by DAP against the six members contradicted its claim on freedom of speech.
“The way I see it, not only there are cracks (in the party), but members are forbidden to voice their views,” Dr Annuar suggested.
Meanwhile, SUPP Sibu branch vice-chairman Daniel Ngieng declined to comment, saying it was DAP’s internal matter.