Tan Khong Chong, an associate of DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng, has apologised for his outburst against Penang DAP chief Steven Sim.
“I regret my actions and take full responsibility for them,” he said in a statement today, as reported by Malaysiakini.
Sim, in a separate statement, downplayed the incident, emphasising that he did not wish to prolong matters that did not benefit the party.
“When I was appointed Penang DAP chairperson, I made party unity the core of our efforts to better serve the people of Penang,” he said in a Facebook post this evening.
“Therefore, I do not want to extend issues that bring no value to the party. This was just a storm in a teacup. Let us move forward together, stronger than before.”
The human resources minister added that the main focus was the successful dinner honouring DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, which took place in a joyous atmosphere.
“The other issues are not important,” he said.
Sim described Tan as a long-time acquaintance and a loyal party member.
The incident occurred after the dinner celebrating Kit Siang’s 84th birthday and his recent conferment of the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri title by the Penang governor.
Tan, Guan Eng’s special assistant, confronted Sim after the event, hurling insults at him. He repeatedly called Sim “fan gu zai” (traitor) for nearly 10 seconds, used Hokkien vulgarities, and accused him of attempting to undermine Guan Eng.
Sim did not react or engage, continuing to smile and interact with other attendees.
The incident took place on the same day DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke dismissed claims of internal party strife.
Meanwhile, Batu Kawan DAP Youth chief Liinesh Selluandan condemned Tan’s actions, saying they had tarnished the party’s image, which upholds integrity and discipline.
“Our stand is clear—we support Sim as state chairman and stand by him. We also call for disciplinary action against Tan for violating party ethics with his public outburst,” said Liinesh, who is also DAP Youth vice-president, in a statement on Monday (Feb 15).