Selangor DAP committee member T Kannan today submitted his resignation letter to state chairperson Ronnie Liu, just two days after another committee member, Bandar Klang state assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim, sent in his notice.

Kannan said in a press statement that he had decided to quit to enable Liu to form a leadership team of his choice.

Kannan's resignation, less than a week after the state polls, casts a longer shadow over the prospect of a re-united state leadership.

"Having studied the election results of the recent Selangor DAP convention, I am convinced that my continued presence in the state committee would be an obstacle for the new chairperson.

"I believe that with the absence of former state vice-chairperson Teng Chang Khim (photo) and myself, Liu would have a team of his own choice," he said.

The latest development appeared to signify that the rift within Selangor DAP had not run its course even with the election of a new team of leaders last Sunday.

Obvious split

Earlier, it was reported that the state leadership was divided along the lines of those aligned to Liu and former state chairperson M Manoharan respectively. Prior to the elections, Manoharan had proposed a 'unity list' comprising of eight members aligned to Liu, six from his own team, and one for Teng.

However, the delegates instead voted overwhelmingly for Liu's team. Only Kannan and Teng (from opposing factions) managed to retain their seats.

Contacted later, Kannan said the results of Sunday's polls clearly showed that all is still not well in Selangor DAP.

"The split is obvious from the results. Teng and I won only because of our tenure in the state committee. I made it to the committee only by two votes so I feel I should resign and give a free hand to (Liu) to pick his own team," he said.

"I was quite surprised by the results. I think it is because of the smear campaign carried out against some leaders," he added.

Manoharan's appeal

Meanwhile, former state chairperson M Manoharan advised Kannan and Teng to reconsider their decision to quit the state committee.

"I was shocked to hear that Kannan had resigned. I hope he will reconsider in the interests of party unity," he said.

Manoharan, who was ousted during Sunday's polls, declined to comment on why he thought he and his team had lost out to Liu (photo).

Despite the disappointment, Manoharan said he would remain loyal to the party. "I will sink or swim with the DAP. I will not quit the party," he said.

Liu could not be contacted for comments today.