Accusations that DAP is a Chinese chauvinist party out to sideline its Indian members threaten to create havoc for its leaders ahead of the coming state convention next month.

An SMS making its rounds recently, calling for a demonstration in front of the party's headquarters in Penang tomorrow, was planned by racist elements, party leaders claim.

At a press conference this morning, DAP Socialist Youth state executive committee member Satees Muniandy said racist elements were not allowed in the party, which continues to call for non-racial policies.

"This demonstration is planned by racist elements within or outside the party. We stand for the Malaysian ideology and we are prepared for the worst," added the Batu Kawan Dapsy secretary.

"We have asked Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to state whether he is a Malay first or Malaysian first, so how can we be talking about racist issues?" he said.

NONE Asked if the rally was related to the recent Perak DAP elections, where Indian leader M Kulasegaran was booted out of the leadership, Satees (right)  said this was an "internal matter".

However, he said, there was suspicion that if DAP members were involved, it was being done in view of the coming state convention on Dec 12, where some individuals were afraid of losing their party posts.

"So, these issues are used as an excuse but although we suspect that one of the leaders may be involved, there is no open statement from the person on this matter," he added.

State DAP committee member A Krishnan had, in the past, called for an Indian bureau within the party, but this has been met with objections.

No invite to Indian members to attend any demo

However, it is uncertain if Krishnan is behind the alleged rally, and he has not made any public statement on the matter.

Satees said he had checked with the Indian members in Penang Dapsy and none have admitted to involvement in the campaign.

"I have also spoken to DAP branches where there are many Indian members, and none said they would be joining in the demonstration," he added.

Krishan, when contacted, denied that he was involved in any demonstration at the state DAP headquarters.

He said he would not be present at the DAP headquarters tomorrow, where the rally is supposed to take place, saying,"it is not necessary for me to be there".

He added:"I am not aware of any demo... if it is done, it is without my knowledge."