The Barisan Nasional (BN) is not serious about taking action against leaders who live beyond their legitimate means and risk losing their support base, the DAP said today.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is BN chairperson, had yesterday reminded politicians not to flaunt their wealth and position, and neglect their responsibility to the people, reported the New Sunday Times on its front-page today.

Contacted for comments, DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang said Mahathir's statement did not appear to be a warning because it was not an indication that those found living excessively will be reprimanded.

He likened the reminder to the term "no action, talk only", popularly known as "NATO".

"Unless of course, he (Mahathir) meant that the ruling party is willing to draw the line to stop obscene and ostentatious means of living disproportionate to politicians' known income.

"But the statement does not appear to be a warning: that those guilty of wealth-flaunting will be dropped from their party positions or potential election line-up. Without that, such a 'warning' means nothing."

Speaking at a dinner gathering organised by the Perak Backbenchers' Club in Ipoh to honour his 21 years in office, the NST quoted the premier reminding politicians that their status as leaders with position and power came from the people who voted for them.

"Political leaders cannot afford to be conceited or arrogant.

"If leaders strut around with their wealth, people will eventually lose respect for them," Mahathir was quoted as saying.

Warning on polls defeat

The Star also quoted the prime minister as saying that if politicians are arrogant and flaunt their wealth, it "could lead to the coalition's defeat in the general election".

"In politics, if we do not know how to please people, we will not be able to succeed," Mahathir pointed out

The Mingguan Malaysia report on the same subject quoted Mahathir as saying that elections are like examinations for politicians in which they can fail if they don't know how to charm people.

Apart from the warning and reminder, Berita Minggu also quoted Mahathir as saying that newcomers to the political scene should be given the benefit of the doubt because sometimes they may be better than previous leaders.

"We always doubt new faces when it comes to choosing a new menteri besar or prime minister. There is usually wariness and sometimes we tend to accord less respect to these new faces."

Mahathir said it was only human nature to feel a deep sense of gratitude for someone who holding a particular position or the same post for a long time.