DAP decision day tomorrow

Court to decide on bid to stop party from holding CEC elections

KUALA LUMPUR: Sacked Ladang Paroi DAP vice-chairman A. David Dass will know tomorrow if his bid to stop the party from holding a special congress to re-elect central executive committee (CEC) members this weekend is successful.

High Court judge Justice Rosnaini Saub set the date to deliver her decision in the civil dispute.

During his submissions, DAP’s lead counsel Karpal Singh had argued that the decision of a political party was final and conclusive as stipulated under Section 18(c) of the Societies Act 1966 and could not be challenged in any court.

“DAP is complying with the directive of the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in calling for a re-election of CEC and this decision was taken by the party,” he argued, asking for the suit to be struck out.

The CEC re-election is scheduled for this Sunday.

In his lawsuit on Sept 10, Dass had filed for an injunction to stop the CEC polls for allegedly breaching the party’s constitution.

He had stated that the coming reelection contradicted Clause 8 which stipulated that a party election must be conducted at a national congress.

He also wanted an order demanding a 10-week notice before holding the national congress.

Dass, who is also challenging his sacking, has named DAP secretarygeneral Lim Guan Eng and the party as defendants.

Dass’ lead counsel K. Harikrishnan argued that it was the ROS’ decision to direct DAP to hold a re-election of CEC members which warranted the court to entertain the claim.

DAP, he said, also had to follow certain basic procedures before holding the election.