LETTER | The curious case of DAP dropping Charles and Wong Tack

LETTER | It defies logic when a performing individual is, for unintelligible reasons, denied the opportunity to continue his or her exemplary performance.

Meritocracy demands that those who have excelled in their field of work ought to be recognised for their contributions and allowed to continue their service.

That philosophy, apparently, does not seem to strike a chord with the DAP leadership, at least in the glaring case of Charles Santiago (above) and, by extension, Wong Tack.

The DAP's decision to dump these individuals, and the sketchy reasons assigned thereto, ought to be of concern to all who treasure meritocracy as a defining characteristic in the choice of candidates be it Charles, Wong or others.

On merits alone, I am convinced that there can be no challenge to the credentials of Charles or, for that matter, Wong.

Under such circumstances, why did the DAP leadership exclude them from defending their seats?

The official narrative, in the case of Charles, is that his third term as an MP was to be his last - a fact supposedly communicated to him in 2018.

Be that so, the issue is whether it is the party’s official policy? Obviously, it cannot be as there is a cluster of DAP MPs who are contesting in GE15 though they have served more than three terms.

Discounting that proposition, one cannot be faulted to conclude that the decision to drop the duo may have been influenced by the lobby of factionalist within the party.

I believe the DAP leadership has an obligation to come clean on the matter.

Not only the constituents in Klang and Bentong have a right to know the truth in the matter, but also all who have supported the party for upholding the principles of meritocracy and transparency.

K Veeriah is a veteran unionist.

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