KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan raised the sincerity of state DAP Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt in wanting to turn down the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) award which carries the title “Datuk” conferred to him by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT).
Warisan legal advisor Chin Tek Ming pointed out that Tan was still technically a Datuk as the latter’s name was included in the list of recipients of the state’s second highest honour during Sabah TYT Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s 71st official birthday celebrations.
“And this was officially published in the gazette,” he said, in a statement here on Wednesday (Oct 16).
“Although Tan verbally expressed his refusal (to accept the title) in the newspapers, the gazette announcement indicates he is indeed still a Datuk," he added.
On Oct 14, Tan, who is also the state Assistant Finance Minister, had initially said he turned down the Datuk title that was conferred on him in conjunction with the Sabah TYT’s birthday celebration on Oct 5.
He said he had written to the Sabah government to decline the PGDK award, in line with DAP’s policy for all members not to receive awards until after they retire from active politics.
The next day, however, Tan said he had misspoken to the media about writing to the Chief Minister to turn down the award.
“I wish to clarify that I did not submit a letter to the Chief Minister,” he said in a text message on Tuesday (Oct 15), referring to his impromptu press conference the day before.
He also said he has not written to any other officials to decline the award.
As such, Chin said Tan should have formally written to the Chief Minister and the Sabah Governor to decline the title.
“Otherwise, it would be seen as impolite.
“According to the state constitution, only when his name is officially removed from the gazette can the title be considered truly rescinded,” he said.
He questioned Tan’s true intentions over the whole episode.
“If the Chief Minister does not respond (in the event Tan sent a formal letter), Tan can continue to hold the title.
“And if the title is revoked, he can take a moral high ground against the DAP central committee, claiming he did not openly violate the party’s code like his colleagues, Kota Kinabalu MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin and Luyang assemblyman and Sabah DAP secretary Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
“They were both reprimanded by the DAP central committee for accepting the titles,” Chin said.
