DAP life advisor Chen Man Hin today defended Lim Kit Siang amid growing calls for his resignation, arguing that the former party leader had accepted responsibility for the party's poor performance in the last election by quitting the secretary-general post, DAP's most powerful position..

Chen was responding to Perak DAP deputy chairman Fan Yew Teng's call that Lim, who is now the party's chairman, to completely resign from the party as he was responsible for DAP's cooperation with PAS, which he argued had resulted in humiliating losses for the party.

Chen stressed that Lim and former Penang DAP chief Karpal Singh had both demonstrated accountability to party members with their resignations.

"Lim Kit Siang has resigned as secretary general and Karpal Singh as Penang DAP chairman to show that they have accepted responsibility and blame for the disastrous performance of the party," he said.

He pointed out that according to the party constitution, the secretary-general holds the most powerful position in DAP, and it comes with huge responsibilities and powers.

"The secretary-general is equivalent to the chief executive officer of a corporation," he said.

DAP Publicity Secretary Ronnie Liu told malaysiakini that the party's secretary-general has more responsibilities than the chairman.

"The secretary-general has the executive power. He is the decision maker and also the one who oversees the day-to-day dealings of the party," Liu said. "On the other hand, the chairman of the party is a secondary position to the secretary-general."

Chen added that the party's central executive committee elected Lim as DAP chairman because the members felt that his experience and political acumen would be beneficial to the party.

"He could provide the leadership and guidance to bring the party through the post-election disaster, and face the challenges which lie ahead."

Chen said that it was not just the party but also the general public who want Lim and Karpal to continue their service in DAP.

"The people are lamenting over the losses of these two giants who were foremost in the fight for democracy, justice and freedom in Parliament and are demanding for accountability from the Penang electorate," added Chen.

"Therefore, it is quite evident that both the party members and the public still want Lim and Karpal to stay back," said Chen.

Kerk Kim Hock, who succeeded Lim as secretary-general, agreed that the contributions of both Lim and Karpal had been invaluable to the party.

"Lim's appointment as the chairman was a party decision. From our feedback, it is clear that the party's grassroots also endorsed this decision," Kerk said.

He added that the party had also received many responses from the general public, especially through telephone calls and emails, urging both Lim and Karpal to stay on with the party.