‘DAP Trying To Rewrite History’

(MD) – A “sacked” DAP branch leader yesterday alleged that the party’s national leaders were willing to allow it to be de-registered  to erase the fact that the party was founded by an Indian.

Ladang Paroi branch vice-chairman A. David Dass (pic), whose membership was terminated by the party but has yet to receive a formal letter on the matter, claimed the leaders wanted to turn the party into a Chinese-dominated one.

This, he said, was the reason why they had refused to heed the Registrar of Societies’ instructions to hold fresh elections for the party’s central executive committee (CEC).

He claimed the leaders wanted to “rewrite history” as the party was founded by former Singapore president Devan Nair.

“This is another attempt by DAP leaders to erase the fact that the party was founded by an Indian and further marginalise Indians in the party. While many have forgotten the party’s history, the party leaders are taking the opportunity to convince members and the people that DAP was founded by Dr Chen Man Hin, turning it into a party that belongs to the Chinese.”

Dass said Dr Chen was qualified only to be referred to as a lifetime DAP adviser and not a founding member.

“Dr Chen’s involvement in the formation of DAP started in a by-election on Dec 9, 1965, when he won the Rahang state seat in Negri Sembilan as an independent.

“Nair at that time decided to (start up a party), and the party was registered formally as the Democratic Socialist Party on March 18, 1966.

“To establish the party, they needed at least seven people as sponsors and Dr Chen was one.”

Dass said by de-registering the party, the leaders could also sustain their power by covering up their flaws in the CEC polls held in December.

“What they have engaged themselves in now adds only to the people’s uncertainty over whether there really was fraud in the CEC election. They overlooked the rights of party members to vocalise their dissatisfaction with the CEC results and terminated the membership of those who have been vocal in the matter.”

Dass commented on the double standards practised by party leaders, citing his membership termination.

“Terminating my membership without talking to me is a sterling example of the double standards in the party. Ironically, when it comes to the RoS, they (DAP leaders) insist RoS gave concrete reasons on why the party’s CEC is not recognised.”

Nilai Perdana DAP deputy chairman S. Rajashegher, whose membership was also terminated on June 28 without any issuance of official letters, said it was unbecoming to terminate anyone’s membership without notice.

“The obvious thing is DAP only ‘sacked’ Indian members without any valid reasons. This is clear evidence of marginalisation of Indians in the party.”