KUALA LUMPUR: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng is mulling legal action against Pas treasurer Razman Zakaria for accusing him of being anti-Malay and anti-monarchical in telling DAP leaders not to accept titles conferred by state rulers.
Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, described Razman's allegation as not only slanderous but also dangerous.
He said he would seek legal advice before taking the next course of action.
"I will ask for action to be taken and see if a crime was committed. Following which, I will study the details of the allegations levelled against me,” he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby here today.
Razman had earlier slammed Lim for telling DAP members to refuse honourifics from the state rulers. He had said such a move was a sign of the party’s disrespect towards the Malay rulers.
Razman said this when addressing the Ummah Unity Assembly at Kampung Gajah, Pasir Salak, Perak, last night.
Last month, Lim publicly criticised several DAP leaders who received titles and medals from Melaka and Sabah.
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.
Lim today reiterated that Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari, too, did not accept any honourifics.
"Should he also be accused of being anti-Malay rulers?
"All I told the DAP elected representatives was not to chase after datukships. But this has been twisted into anti-Malay Rulers and anti-Malay.”
He said DAP leaders should not accept titles and awards as they had only be in the government for only six months.
“Why should exco members accept the awards... It should not have happened.
"We should not work hard just to get these awards. Be reminded that we were elected by the people and we should serve the people.”
"If you want to accept awards or titles, wait until after your retirement. Recently, three state assemblyman who retired were awarded datukships by the governor of Penang in recognition for their services,” he added.
Lim also said the late Tun Ghafar Baba didn’t accept any awards when he was the deputy prime minister.
"He only wanted to be known as Encik Ghafar. So was he anti-Malay Rulers or anti Malay?
"Pas is a party that has run out of topics. It is trying to create racial friction and tension. This is totally irresponsible. I hope no one tries to instigate racial issues,” Lim said.