It is more than Anti-Hopping Law Amendment in DAP

 


It is more than Anti-Hopping Law Amendment in DAP

By Stephen Ng

 

There is more than meets the eye when one reads the explanation given by both DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng and secretary-general Anthony Loke.

              These are two DAP men whom I have always thought to be credible but, unfortunately, I find their explanation recently about the Anti-Hopping Law to the public is anything but truthful.

              To put it nicely, it is more like half-truths and smokescreens that they are putting out to the public. And, when told a few times, the public will begin to believe them.

The Quotes

              Allow me to quote Lim from an article in the Malay Mail: “"This is not about the party members, but about the elected representatives, especially those who don’t jump because they want to preserve their seats but they support the party’s opponents.”

              Lim further added: "It is very clear that what was tabled was about anti-hopping, it is a necessary step if we are serious about eliminating political frogs.”

              Loke echoed Lim’s words. In a Malaysiakini article, the emphasis, he said, is the anti-hopping law passed recently.

Sungai Pelek assemblyman, Ronnie Liu was told that he “should respect and not publicly question the anti-hopping amendment in the party’s constitution that was approved at the party’s special congress last Sunday (Sept 25).

              So far, no denial or corrections done to the press articles to date so I would assume that they are using the excuse that this is an anti-hopping law. And, Liu was singled out to look as though he was against the anti-hopping law.

What’s Wrong with DAP?

              I had a quick discussion with several senior members of our society, one who has led a major people’s movement in the past.

              When I shared my observations using one-word adjective, ‘Frustrating,’ her immediate response was, ‘Yes.’

              To be fair to Liu, I asked him if he was ever against the Anti-hopping Law. His response was prompt.

“I was the one (who suggested the anti-hopping law) when no one else wanted an anti-hopping law,” he said. “I (first) raised it when Dr M was buying frogs.”

The smokescreen about “anti-hopping law” used by both DAP leaders are apparently out of context. The truth lies in this one amendment which Liu, and many of us who are observing the party from outside, are concerned about.

 The amendment read, “Any member of the Party who is an elected representative of the Dewan Rakyat, a Senator who appointed to the Dewan Negara, or an elected representative of or any  appointed members to any State Legislative Assembly within the Federation of Malaysia, shall subject to the approval of the Central Executive Committee, cease to be a member of the party upon non-compliance of any directive issued pursuant to Section 9(j) Clause XII of this Constitution.”



            According to Loke, the CEC brought this to the congress with a chance for everyone to debate and vote, singling out Liu as one of the two representatives who voted against the motion.

Based on my analysis, DAP is in danger of following the herd mentality. I checked several elected representatives’ social media account. The same smokescreen about anti-hopping law is repeated and used as the excuse. To me, it's only a half truth.

This has put Liu in a very awkward position as he is not against Anti-Hopping Law, but against the lack of tolerance for the dissenting views. This would literally stifle the voices of the party members, because what comes out of this is nothing but a herd mentality and DAP would become an undemocratic party.

I rest my case.

Just for the joke: After this, DAP can look up for my membership number 007 and sack me for voicing this. I rather be sacked than follow the herd. - Joke Bond.


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