Perak DAP committee in no rush to accept duo's return

After months of infighting in DAP’s Perak chapter, assemblypersons Leong Cheok Keng and Leow Thye Yih have expressed willingness to return to the state party committee.

However, the committee has pulled the brakes on their intended return, saying that as they were “no longer committee members”, their inclusion back would have to be deliberated first.

In a statement this morning, Leong and Leow, who are Malim Nawar and Pokok Assam assemblypersons respectively, stated they wished to return to the fold following Pakatan Harapan’s humbling defeat at the Tanjung Piai polls.

This was after repeated urgings by embattled Perak executive council member, Paul Yong Choo Kiong, for the two to return to the posts they vacated, they claimed.

“After repeatedly being advised and invited by Yong to return to the Perak DAP committee lineup, we feel his sincerity and accept this invitation," their statement read.

“The Tanjung Piai loss is a wake-up call. We feel that we have the responsibility to strengthen the position and image of Perak DAP. As a part of Harapan, we believe that as one, we can fortify the stability of Perak Harapan, and contribute to the country, with a good government foundation.” 

However, issuing an immediate and brief response, the Perak party committee said the two men's return would be discussed “at the appropriate time".

“Leong and Leow resigned. As such, they are no longer Perak DAP committee members. In regards to their announcement today, the state committee will have a meeting at an appropriate time and place to make a decision,” it said.

Leong had resigned as deputy treasurer and Leow as assistant secretary in September following a fallout with state chapter chairperson Nga Kor Ming.

They were unhappy over Nga's statement that Yong’s status would be discussed at the Harapan level instead of the state DAP level.

Yong, the Tronoh assemblyperson, is currently facing a rape charge.

Leong and Leow, however, reaffirmed their loyalty to the party central leadership and secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.