Rep turns ‘independent’
(The Star) – Pulau Tikus assemblyman Koay Teng Hai, slapped with a six-month suspension by the DAP for missing a crucial state assembly meeting, said he will now serve his constituents as an “independent” representative.
He is, however, adamant that he had not broken any party rules.
“I did not break any party rules as I did not receive any official notification from the party on the date and state assembly agenda,” he said.
Despite his claim of innocence, Koay, who was chairman of the backbenchers club in the state assembly, said he would file an appeal soon and called on his supporters to “calm down and don’t act out against the party”.
He said he will serve as an “independent” assemblyman unless his appeal against the suspension is accepted.
Koay was absent from the state assembly when the House met on Nov 1 last year to pass the Penang Constitutional Enactment (Amendment) Bill 2012, aimed at preventing elected representatives from party-hopping.
The DAP disciplinary committee issued a show-cause letter to Koay last month for allegedly skipping the sitting.
He was given 14 days to appeal to the party’s central executive committee.
Koay had gone to the United States for a holiday despite having his leave rejected twice by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is also DAP secretary-general.
“I expect to receive the official suspension letter today and will respond accordingly,” Koay said here yesterday.
“I hope the CEC will take into account that I’ve been a loyal party member and DAP Socialist Youth leader for 13 years.
“Furthermore, my leave was approved by the state legislative assembly Speaker and the Bill was successfully passed,” he said.
On the prospects of contesting in the general election, he said: “If the suspension stays, I will not be eligible to contest as a DAP candidate and I will not stand as an independent.
He said all DAP logos would be removed from his service centre in line with the suspension ruling.
“I am truly sorry to the party and my supporters,” said Koay.
