DAP not split over khat
KUALA LUMPUR: The DAP is not split over the controversy surrounding the introduction of khat for Standard Four students nationwide, stressed party secretary general Lim Guan Eng.
“The discussion was done in an open and frank matter. What is important is that the DAP takes a common position.
“Contrary to claims (that DAP is split), DAP is still united and will manage this matter as a team,” he told journalists at the DAP headquarters after the meeting which ended at around 12.40am this morning.
He said this after a four-and-a-half-hour meeting with all of DAP’s state and parliament representatives that began at 8pm last night.
Deputy education minister Teo Nie Ching and Deputy defence minister Liew Chin Tong have beenunder attack over the introduction of khat.
The government leaders such as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail have stated that khat is a form of art.
The opponents claimed that khat would burden the students and certain quarters view it as a Islamization measure.
Tras assemblyman Chow Yu Hui who initiated a statement against khat and received endorsements from 100 over branches and parliamentary liaison committees too was present at the meeting.
“We will bring the grassroots’ opinion and voices into the meeting,” he said.
Post meeting, Chow said: “The party has also provided guidance and a statement will be issued tomorrow (later today).”
