LDP faction says suspension of six divisions invalid

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KOTA KINABALU: LDP Karambunai and leaders do not recognize the suspension of their divisions as announced by party secretary-general Ir Yong Wui Chung, on Monday.

According to LDP Karambunai chief Loretto S. Padua Jr and his Sulaman counterpart Jackson Chang, both claim that the suspension is not valid because the current LDP leadership is not valid.

Loretto in his statement pointed out that the action of the party’s supreme council which he described as ‘from Datuk Teo Chee Kang’s faction’ to suspend six of LDP Divisions, namely Tg Papat, Sekong, Sg Sibuga, Tungku, Karambunai and Sulaman was an action that had long been expected to occur.

“This is because their main aim now is to eliminate Datuk VK Liew and his followers from the political arena. We are very firm with our struggles and we will not recognize the suspension. I am still the divisional chairman for Karambunai,” Loretto stressed.

To him, reading Yong’s statement that the resolution to suspend the six divisions was done in accordance with the party constitution was awkward.

“If the suspension was done in accordance with the party constitution, then what Datuk V.K Liew did when he removed Datuk Teo as the secretary-general on the August 27, 2013, followed by the other office-bearers he appointed as the then party president, was valid too as all actions taken by him were in accordance with the party constitution.

“Why didn’t they recognize the president’s actions and still proceeded with their EGM to suspend Datuk V.K as the party president and myself when they have no more locus standi to do that?” he asked.

“They must bear in mind that the merits of the case, i.e on whose action is legitimate from the beginning have not been argued and decided by the court as it was deprived by the court’s decision to dismiss the leave application for judicial review which had stopped Datuk V.K Liew from arguing the merits of the case.

“The question on whether his action in removing Datuk Teo and the other office-bearers was legitimate remains unanswered,” Loretto said, adding, “they can mislead the members based on the decision of the Court of Appeal over the matter but the people can see clearly their true color.”

“It is not over yet. Under the law, Datuk V.K still can go to the Federal Court to appeal against the dismissal by the Court of Appeal of his appeal. I therefore believe that Datuk Teo’s action does not hold water and we do not have to accept it,” Loretto said.

Jackson in a separate statement claimed that the suspension was not valid because LDP’s current supreme council is not valid, as Teo, the current party president was sacked by Liew on August 27, last year.

“Therefore, the supreme council’s action is void. In this regard, we do not recognize any action made against us, including the suspension of the six divisions.

“Secondly, Datuk Teo is using the same party constitution to suspend the division and it is the same constitution used by Datuk Liew to suspend and sack him last year. Does it then not mean that Datuk Teo recognizes his removal under the constitution as valid?

“Thirdly, despite the Court of Appeal having dismissed the leave application to review the ROS letter of January 7, 2014 the contentious issues revolving the sacking and dismissal of Datuk Teo as the party secretary- general last year remains unresolved. He is not the elected president but appointed by ROS only. The issue is still outstanding. We will have to wait for the Federal Court to decide on the final issue,” Jackson stressed.

Jackson also said there was no justification in the suspension of the six divisions as they were legally composed and the chairmanship and all the committee members were validly elected. All the returns had been duly lodged and registered.

“Lastly, the suspension is made in bad faith. It is very clear that they are doing this to tarnish our images and standing in the general public. They are out there to take revenge. It is very sad because it appears that their political struggle is just to bring down Datuk V K Liew and his supporters.

“They should focus their mind, soul and heart, and energy on resolving the various problems faced by the people. There are so many issues and problems faced by the people in their respective areas; why don’t they spend more time visiting and solving their problems?” he asked.

Jackson was of the opinion that they had forgotten that Liew had led them to victories in the last two general elections, namely the 12th and 13th general elections, and he had recommended them to become Senator, candidates, Datuk, and then ministers.

“But they forget so quickly and easily. All their actions in the last few months are like a bunch of ungrateful lots, stabbing the back of Datuk VK Liew. Sometimes, we ask what Datuk Liew has done wrong to deserve this ungrateful treatments from these ungrateful people.

“Datuk Liew is not even an opposition man. He is a true blue BN man. He has served the BN government and contributed to the nation during his five years’ time in parliament and the federal government. Why are they fighting their own man? They should focus on the opposition.

“Therefore, the people can see clearly their true faces and intention. They are not here to serve the people,” he claimed.