GEORGE TOWN: A non- governmental organisation today accused Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of disrespecting and disregarding laws governing societies and their own party constitution in conducting DAP’s re-election by taking a short cut.
Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak warned Lim that DAP faces deregistration if its fresh polls fails to adhere to party constitution and the directive issued by the Registrar of Societies under the Societies Act 1966.
He said ROS must review and sanction all electoral matters before the party can conduct its polls on Sept 29.
DAP cannot possibly hold the re-election until ROS verifies the legitimacy of the delegates, venue, date, relevant notices; among others, he said.
“But until today ROS has not received anything official from DAP on re-election. Why is Lim in a hurry? Is there a hidden agenda?” asked Rahmad.
He highlighted that on Aug 17, the party national chairman Karpal Singh said that the party’s new polls could be held in November in order facilitate various electoral processes.
However, Rahmad pointed out that a few days later, Lim overruled Karpal by announcing Sept 29 as the new date of the polls.
“Lim has shown total disrespect and disregard to the country’s law and party constitution.
“He bypassed everything to take a short cut to hold the polls. He is exerting his party power above all legitimate means,” alleged Rahmad.
More questions than answers
The ROS had directed the DAP to hold a fresh election for its central executive committee (CEC) members as the polls held in Penang on Dec 15, 2012 had irregularities.
ROS issued the directive following its investigations into allegations by DAP members that the party polls last year was tainted with electoral practices, such as manipulation of vote tabulation and failure to issue notices of annual congress to legitimate delegates.
To-date, Rahmad said the DAP had failed to submit the 500 original acknowledgment letters from delegates claiming to have attended the CEC election last December.
He also said the DAP had yet to send letters of reinstatement to all party members, including the 17 delegates, who had been expelled or suspended since last Dec 15.
“There are more questions than answers here.
“DAP have to clear these outstanding issues with ROS before it can hold the re-election,” stressed Rahmad.
By Athi Shankar
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