DAP will not appoint an acting chairperson to take over the duties of Karpal Singh, who is still recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident a year ago.

The Bukit Gelugor MP, who suffered serious back injuries in the Jan 28 mishap, has been absent from party functions, including the leaders' retreat in the Cameron Highlands last weekend.

It is also uncertain whether he would be able to attend the DAP national convention slated for March 19, said party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng when contacted.

"We hope he can join us," he said, adding that Karpal was taking a break after his daughter's wedding in Penang two weeks ago.

As for the possibility of appointing an acting chairperson, Lim replied: "Not at the moment, it will be decided by the central executive committee."

'Can't rush him'

The secertary-general said Karpal's protracted absence had not affected the running of the party.

Drawing an analogy with injured England striker Michael Owen, Lim said the party chairperson cannot be rushed.

"We can't rush him to play, we want him to recover first, otherwise his injuries will recur," he said and stressed that Karpal had the full support of DAP leaders.

Karpal's son, Jagdip told malaysiakini, that his father was still recuperating from his injuries and undergoing physiotherapy.

The rehabilitation, he added, was a "slow process and takes time" and Karpal still needed assistance when walking.

He also revealed that former deputy premier and Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Anwar Ibrahim had visited Karpal in Penang earlier this week.

Apart from party affairs, the DAP leader has also been unable to attend Parliament proceedings on a regular basis although he made a few brief appearances.

Commenting on this, Parliament's public relations officer Ahmad Asri Zakaria said there was no limitation for MPs regarding leave if they have a valid reason or submit medical leave.