IPOH – A fracas broke out at the Perak DAP convention here today when Kampar MP Thomas Su lost his cool with party officials, accusing them of not registering delegates fairly.
He was reportedly restrained outside the International Convention Centre hall, with the commotion happening just as leaders were celebrating the party’s 55th anniversary.
Pushing, shoving and yelling occurred.
Su was seen questioning officials about the registration of delegates who arrived late, saying it was not done in an orderly manner.
He complained that there was no cut-off time for delegates, and that some details were written on pieces of paper instead of being printed out.
Some individuals, believed to be his supporters, claimed that MCA members were also in attendance.
Following this, supporters of Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and state DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming rebuked Su, saying: “Tipu, tipu (cheat, cheat).”
The party veteran later calmed down and entered the hall, trailed by media personnel and his supporters.
“I am OK... I am OK,” he said before joining DAP vice-president M. Kula Segaran.
Polls officials went onstage to assure delegates, saying only those who are eligible can vote, while repeating the steps needed for an orderly election to be conducted.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Ngeh and Nga declined comment on the matter.
As of 12.30pm, election officers said voting will commence where there are 30 candidates, including Su, who is vying for a spot in the 15-member state committee.
He has been on sabbatical since 2010 after losing in the party polls that year.
Having recovered from a heart procedure, he appears to have regained his vigour, saying he was persuaded to return to active politics after a series of setbacks in the state DAP, including the defection of three leaders last year.
Meanwhile, state DAP committee member and Pasir Bedamar rep Terence Naidu Raja held a press conference, where he lambasted the panel for ignoring him despite being in the line-up.
“They have not informed me about party meetings since early this year. You may dislike me, but we are party comrades, and we must stay united for the party.”
Asked if this means that the party polls should be called off, he said he just wants the DAP leadership to be aware of such things. – The Vibes, March 14, 2021
Additional reporting by Ian McIntyre
