MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron heaped praises on the four state DAP stalwarts who today quit the party, while issuing scathing remarks against the party's secretary-general, Lim Guan Eng.
"They have released themselves from the clutches of the DAP, a timely move, especially in view of the current situation faced by that party, with its leadership failing to walk the talk on more than one occasion," said Idris.
Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him, Bachang assemblyman Lim Jak Wong, Kesidang assemblyman Chin Choon Seong and Duyong assemblyman Goh Leong San resigned with immediate effect, citing their loss of confidence in Lim.
The move followed a protracted conflict, during which all four were said to be at loggerheads with DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's faction here over the party’s close ties with former sworn enemy, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"They point fingers at others such as Umno, claiming that we practice discrimination. This should show the people who is actually doing it," said Idris.
"Lim was once in Malacca, but was rejected by the DAP community here, so he moved to Penang and since then, has had an agenda to oust Goh and his friends from the DAP here," he added.
Idris also singled out Ayer Keroh assemblyman Khoo Poay Tiong as Lim's “proxy” in the state, where a split between two DAP factions has occurred.
"I congratulate the Ayer Keroh assemblyman for becoming the vehicle by which Sim, Lim, Goh and Chin were ousted from the DAP here," said Idris.
"This is a true display of what the DAP touts as their concept of openness and integrity, that they say are practiced within their party.
"DAP shows favouritism towards certain quarters, so how is it that they are saying they want to lead the state and the country, when their own party is in tatters?"
Idris also extended a warm invitation to the quartet to join the state assembly as independent candidates, and said he would welcome them should they wish to join forces with Barisan Nasional in the future.