All hot under the collar over titles
Tey says he sought advice and denies not consulting party before getting Datukship
Melaka: Melaka State DAP chairman Datuk Tey Kok Kiew has dismissed Anthony Loke’s claim that he did not consult the party leadership before accepting the Datukship on Saturday.
Tey said that he had sought advice not only from Loke but also from secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and national chairman Tan Kok Wai.
Explaining the sequence of the event in a statement yesterday, Tey said he contacted Loke on Oct 8, Lim a day later and Tan on Oct 11.
He added that he also contacted National Political Education director Liew Ching Tong on Oct 11 to consult him after he and Deputy state assembly Speaker Datuk Dr Wong Fort Pint were listed as recipients of the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) which carries the title “Datuk” but was unable to reach him.
Tey, however, did not elaborate in his statement on what was the outcome of the discussions with party leadership prior to him accepting the title.
He also suggested that DAP write officially to Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultans and Governors to exclude DAP ministers, executive councillors and hierarchies of leaders nationwide from receiving honorary titles.
“This would avoid DAP leaders in other states from going through the same situation like me,” he said.
Tey, who is the Melaka Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman, also apologised unreservedly to Yang di-Pertua of Melaka Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob as the issue has elicited polemic.
On Tuesday, Loke said Tey has been told on the central executive committee on the “decade-long understanding” on accepting hon- orary titles.
Melaka opposition leader Datuk Seri Idris Haron said Tey was eligible to be honoured with the award as he was the longest- serving assemblyman in the state.
He added that it was unfair that only Melaka DAP leaders were criticised for accepting the honorary titles when no issue was made about other first- time lawmakers from other political parties accepting such titles.