A resolution calling for DAP's top leaders to step down if they fail to deliver victory at the next general elections will be tabled at the 13th annual national congress tomorrow.

This resolution, proposed yesterday by the Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (Tuta) branch committee, was seconded by the Taman Universiti (Skudai) branch.

The branches also proposed to limit the posts of chairperson and secretary-general to three terms or nine years.

Other than these resolutions, delegates have proposed nine other resolutions. Three will touch on the Islamic state issue, two of which are openly urging the party to cut ties with PAS.

In recent weeks there have been strong calls for the party to reconsider its alliance with PAS and Barisan Alternatif - in which PRM and Keadilan are the other coalition partners - over the Islamic state controversy.

There are also calls by younger leaders such as Youth chief Teng Chang Khim and Johor Youth state leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau asking chairperson Lim Kit Siang to decline re-election this year.

Leaders to be made accountable

Tuta branch secretary Lee Chee Hiang said that the rationale behind two of the resolutions - one, calling on failed leaders to step down, and the other, imposing term limits for top party posts - was to make officials accountable to the party's performance.

"It is also the responsibility of current leaders to train, nurture and prepare their successors for the party leadership in the future," said Lee.

"Furthermore, future leaders shall not be predetermined by current leaders who decide collectively," he added, referring to how key office bearers are elected by the newly-elected central committee members.

The CC members are elected every three years by delegates to the national congress. This weekend's congress sees 38 candidates nominated, out of which only 20 will be voted in as CC members. However, the new committee may also appoint up to 10 additional members.

New party and new era

Supporting Lee's call is Johor Youth vice-chairperson Norman Fernandez who said that the old era is coming to a close and national leaders should step aside.

"It is time to induct new leaders, younger leaders and fresh visions. Let them initiate change for a new party and new era," he said.

"It is important for party leaders, especially party elders, to send the message that they are prepared, ready and wish to pave the way for younger leaders to take charge," he added.

However, Fernandez said that the desire for change does not mean that party leaders are being cast aside.

He added that reform was not an option but a necessity.

"This congress offers DAP an opportunity, and maybe its last opportunity, to change and reform if it wishes to see results and be significant in the next general elections," he said.

"Fail this time, then in 2004 DAP will have no one to blame but itself. Fail and the price will almost be a heavy one," he added.