PAS leader Fadzil Noor has been asked to apologise to DAP life adviser Dr Chen Man Hin for labelling the latter as "not someone important".

DAP deputy chairperson Karpal Singh said Fadzil was being insensitive in humiliating Chen by saying that his views could not be taken as the DAP's official position.

"Chen is the grand old man of the DAP, one of the founding members of the party and he sits regularly in meetings of the party's central executive committee," said Karpal in a statement today.

"Chen has been on the delegation in DAP's talks with the principal office bearers of PAS, including Fadzil. Fadzil owes Dr Chen an apology for his outburst," added Karpal.

Chen was DAP chairperson until 1999 when he was appointed as life adviser of the party.

Karpal was referring to Fadzil's statement in The Star yesterday that Chen and other DAP leaders should stop harping on issues of PAS being discriminatory towards women.

Long history

The opposition leader said that Chen was wrong in stating that PAS did not respect women, adding that in any case, Chen's views on this matter could not be taken as DAP's official position as "Chen is not someone important in DAP".

"We have fielded women candidates for the elections as early as 1959, which is earlier than DAP's existence," said Fadzil.

PAS' treatment of women came under public scrutiny after the party implemented several policies that could be perceived as discriminatory in Kelantan, resulting in many sectors calling for PAS to change its attitude towards women.

At present, there are separate pay counters for men and women at supermarkets and cinemas, whereas roller coaster rides are banned as they involve bodily contact.

The state has also announced that all Muslim women must wear headscarves and are discouraged from wearing lipstick.

According to PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat, less 'attractive' women should given priority for state jobs because their 'prettier' counterparts already have an added advantage.

Casino issue

Karpal also continued his attacks on PAS leaders over their calls to set up an Islamic state.

"PAS has not been refraining from adding to DAP's woes through its constant unilateral public calls by its top leaders that it would set up an Islamic state if it came to power," added Karpal.

He said that this was reflected again yesterday in a statement by Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan menteri besar, that PAS will close down the Genting Highlands casino if it manages to take control of Pahang in the next general elections.

By making such a statement, Karpal said the spiritual leader was clearly side-lining other component parties in the opposition Barisan Alternatif.

DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock also expressed a similar disappointment by Nik Aziz's statement over the future of the casino.

"This is purely PAS' stand. It has never been brought up before the BA leaders," he said.

Press freedom

Meanwhile, on another matter, DAP vice chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw called upon MCA president and Transport Minister Dr Ling Liong Sik to explain how the newspapers controlled by this party will give fair and balanced reporting.

Tan, who is also the MP for Kepong, said that political interference and procedural obligations will not allow for total press freedom in the country.

Yesterday, Ling said that a free and responsible media was essential to the proper functioning of the country's democratic system.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of The Star's new head office in Petaling Jaya, Ling said that the top-selling English daily must provide "reliable, responsible and balanced news" to play an influential role in the nation-building process.

The Star, as well as two Chinese dailies, Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press, are owned by MCA through its investment arm, Huaren Holdings.

"Since he believes in an objective, free and responsible media, we would like to see how he incorporates these values into the three dailies in the years to come," said Tan.