Karpal Singh
GEORGE TOWN: The Registrar of Societies (ROS) has called two DAP members to attend a hearing on alleged irregularities at the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) election on April 18.
They are Pooi Weng Keong and Dr Ong Kian Meng.
DAP national chairman Karpal Singh said DAP was requested to supply ROS with several documents relating to the party election last December, including notices sent out to the delegates.
“With nomination day on April 20, this investigation will take some time. DAP intends to supply ROS with all the information and documents in support of its election, in compliance with the law,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Karpal stressed that there was a technical glitch in the party’s election but there was no fraud and misrepresentation as claimed by certain quarters, including former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim.
He said the de-registration of a political party was a serious matter while pointing out there were several calls for DAP to be de-registered.
“No doubt, the ROS has the power to do so (de-register DAP) but it can only be done after an in-depth investigation and strong evidence before de-registeration of a political party,” he added.
He said DAP should be allowed to use its symbol for the coming general election as it was virtually impossible to have a decision before April 20, in view of the investigation commencing on April 18.
Meanwhile, Karpal also warns Pakatan Rakyat component parties to ensure there were no three-cornered fights in their constituencies. Three-cornered fights should be avoided as they would be fatal to the coalition, he said.
“There must be give and take, there must be compromises made. Not everyone can be satisfied but ultimately, (we) must satisfy as many as possible. Three- cornered fights are fatal to the PR,” he told the press conference.
Kedah DAP was reported to be going alone in the coming general election, if its demand for two parliamentary and six state seats was not met with by PR.
Several three-cornered fights have been identified in Kedah, namely Alor Setar and Padang Serai parliamentary constituencies, Bakar Bata, Derga, Bakar Arang, Gurun and Lunas state seats, as well as the Sungai Acheh state seat in Penang. — Bernama