SHAH ALAM: DAP vice-chairman Datuk Teng Chang Khim says that to his knowledge, there is no restriction on any party members in receiving titles, awards and honours.
Teng, who was bestowed the Darjah Kebesaran Datuk Paduka Mahkota Selangor (D.P.M.S) by the Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in 2010, said DAP needs to formulate new rules or clearer policies on the issue for the benefit of all parties.
“There is no restriction (on receiving titles). There has yet to be a party policy in that direction. Maybe there has been some misunderstanding and to my knowledge, DAP does not forbid its members (from receiving titles).
“This is why there has to be a written policy on this issue which can be used as a guide for all DAP leaders in the future,” he told a press conference at his office at the Selangor State Secretariat Building here on Monday.
Teng, who is also state Investment, Industry, Trade and Transport executive committee chairman, however declined to elaborate on whether he had informed the senior DAP leadership when he received his DPMS title.
“As I said earlier, the party has to have clear policies or written policies regarding this issue. If we do not want to accept any titles, it has to be done politely.
“Everyone will have their own opinion on this issue. In any case, whether we accept the title or not, it has do be done respectfully.
“The DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) will be discussing the issue,” he said.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had previously openly chided several DAP leaders who had recently accepted titles, awards and honours from the Melaka and Sabah governments.
Lim, who is also Finance Minister, said the DAP leaders’ actions did not reflect the party’s true struggle, thus providing a skewed perception of the party to the people as it has not been even a year since it became part of the government.
He said the DAP CEC will meet soon to discuss the matter as the reasons given by the individuals were “unacceptable.”