Expelled DAP members in limbo
(The Star) – DAP members who have been recently sacked are wondering if they can vote at the party’s Selangor-level election, as the Registrar Of Societies (ROS) has yet to recognise DAP’s top office bearers.
L.P. Selvam, who received his expulsion letter signed by secretary-general Lim Guan Eng two weeks ago, asked if his sacking still stands as ROS did not recognise Lim and other DAP top leaders.
“I was told that the state party election is scheduled for Sunday (today) and I feel this should be an issue that must be explained by the leaders in the convention.
“Does this mean I am no more a DAP member and free to join another party?” asked Selvam, who stood as an independent candidate in the 13th general election.
The former aide to ex-Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M. Manoharan said his fellow DAP members who stood as independent candidates faced a similar predicament.
Another grassroots member, who chose to remain anonymous, said it was immature for DAP leaders to expel members without clear instructions.
“I just received a letter from the party and nothing else. Nobody called me up to say why the expulsion was made.
“It becomes further complicated when the ROS says it does not recognise DAP’s office bearers,” he said.
The man, who has been in the party for more than 15 years and contested as an independent candidate in the last general election, said he received his expulsion letter several weeks ago.
Selangor DAP vice-chairman Charles Santiago said the convention was expected to be a “lame one”, as many delegates have adopted a carefree attitude towards it.
“Unlike in the past, not many are looking forward to the convention and party polls as the general election has ended,” he said.
The state party polls, which is held once every two years, will see 35 delegates contesting for 15 positions today in Shah Alam. About 1,200 delegates were expected to be present.
Former Teratai assemblyman Jenice Lee (pic), who also received an expulsion letter from the party, had reportedly announced her intentions to secure a seat at the Selangor executive committee.
Lee, who had also stood as an Independent in the last general election, withdrew her lawsuit against the party after receiving a show-cause letter asking why her membership should not be withdrawn.
By sending her the letter, she claimed that it was an endorsement that the party still considered her a member.
