DAP will reassess its stance on elected representatives receiving honorific titles, acknowledging the need for a more flexible approach, says party secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Speaking at the 18th DAP National Congress, Loke noted that the current policy, which discourages members from accepting state and federal awards, may be too rigid. He stated that any member offered such titles must seek approval from the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
He highlighted the case of Selangor executive councillor and Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim, who received a Datukship from Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
“Under party norms, Ng would have had to decline it, but given the circumstances, he was allowed to accept it,” Loke explained.
“We cannot be too strict, as sometimes, the Sultan himself wants to award a Datukship to our elected representatives,” he added.
The congress was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Loke clarified that the CEC would establish specific conditions for accepting titles.
“There must be guidelines. This will be discussed in future meetings to implement a more flexible policy. Currently, retired leaders, such as Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, are allowed to accept such honours,” he said.
However, he emphasised that the change would not mean every DAP minister or deputy minister should automatically receive a title.
“I, for example, will not be asking for anything. Let me remain an ‘Encik’ or ‘Saudara.’
“But if any elected representative is nominated for a title, it must be presented to the CEC for discussion under the new policy,” he added.