By K Veeriah
It defies logic when a performing individual is, for unintelligible reasons, denied the opportunity to continue his or her exemplary performance.
Meritocracy demands that those who have excelled in their field of work ought to be recognised for their contributions and allowed to continue their service.
That philosophy, apparently, does not seem to strike a chord with the DAP leadership, at least in the glaring case of Charles Santiago, who was MP for Klang, and, by extension, Wong Tack, the outgoing MP for Bentong.
The DAP’s decision to dump these individuals and its sketchy reasons for the move ought to concern all who treasure meritocracy as a defining characteristic in the choice of candidates, whether it is Charles Santiago, Wong Tack or others.
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On merit, I am convinced there is no challenging the credentials of Charles Santiago or, for that matter, Wong Tack.
So why has the DAP leadership excluded them from defending their seats?
The official version, in Santiago’s case, is that his third term as MP was to be his last – and this was supposedly communicated to him in 2018.
But the issue is whether this is party policy? Obviously not, several DAP MPs have been slotted to contest in the upcoming general election even though they have served over three terms.
One cannot be faulted for concluding that the decision to drop the two MPs may have been influenced by the lobby of factions within the party.
The DAP leadership has an obligation to come clean in the matter. It is not only the constituents of Klang and Bentong who have a right to know the truth but also all who have supported the party for upholding the principles of meritocracy and transparency.
K Veeriah is a veteran trade union based in Bukit Mertajam, Penang
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DAP should give an explanation to the people as to why Charles Santiago and Wong was dropped,
It maybe party matter but the truth must be revealed to the people before this election, failing to do so will create confusion and insecurity among the hard line supporters of DAP, this in turn will lead to loss of confidence in DAP and be assured many of your hard line supporters will turn their back on you.
Right now this issue appears as ungrateful or sorry to say, race based. To sight a classic example you are no different from our education system i.e. those students who excelled in their grades never got the appropriate placement.
Until the truth is realised only confusion will dominate.
What democratic action party is this ?
Charles Santiago is a third term MP and Wong Tack is a first term MP and both were dropped. The MPs for Seputeh, Bukit Bintang and Cheras have served five terms and more. Can DAP explain why they were not replaced?
Charles has got an impeccable record of service to his constituents and yet he was dropped, despite pleas from many NGOs. I cannot excuses given for dropping Charles.