KUALA LUMPUR: DAP will take strict disciplinary action against members who do not adhere to the party's long-standing rule against accepting Datukships, state awards and medals during their tenure in office.
Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said DAP members, especially those appointed as state executive committee (exco) members, must never "forget their roots" nor go against the DAP central executive committee's decision on the matter.
The finance minister said DAP members who were elected into office must fervently hold on to the party's basic struggles and strive to serve the people, not hanker after awards and titles.
"Remember the sacrifices of previous members who fought hard for a better and just country. They received nothing in return. Our struggle is not for the sake of positions.
"You have been exco members for just a few months and now you want to become Datukships. The (Penang) chief minister does not have a Datukship. I was Penang CM for 10 years but I am not a (Datuk). Does this mean I failed?
"I'm proud to be able to call you 'saudara saudari'. As DAP secretary-general, I am warning those who have forgotten their roots that disciplinary action will be taken against them.
"It doesn't matter what position you hold. Don't play the fool with me," Lim said in his speech during the Federal Territory DAP 2018 Convention at the party's headquarters here today.
Present was DAP national chairman Tan Kok Wai, who is also Federal Territory DAP chairman.
Lim had previously chided several party leaders for accepting Datukships from state rulers, saying it did not reflect the party's principles.
Lim did not mention names, but he was believed to be referring to several DAP elected representatives who were conferred awards by state rulers recently.
They are Bandar Hilir assemblyman Tey Kok Kiew and Bemban assemblyman Wong Fort Pin, who received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM), which carries the title Datuk.
They received the awards in conjunction with the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob’s 80th birthday on Oct 13.
Two Sabah DAP leaders, Stephen Wong dan Frankie Poon were conferred the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), which also carries the title Datuk.
Fort Pin, Stephen and Poon have apologised to the DAP central leadership for accepting the awards. Tey, meanwhile, was recently described by Lim as "stubborn" for failing to apologise.
In his speech, Lim said DAP leaders who held positions in the government must show a good example to newer members by advocating the party's policy of not accepting titles.
"Don't go against the party or its leadership. Don't forget that you are an elected representative for the people and not for yourself.
"Which is why I have to be strict against everyone who disrespects the party, regardless of their rank. I want new members to know that joining DAP is not about being comfortable. It's about making sure our country and children are comfortable."