DAP Johor chairperson Dr Boo Cheng Hau (right) today offered to step down to pave the way for party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to lead the party in the southernmost state.

In a statement, Boo, said that he would do so to 'minimise party infighting'.

"Johor has always been Barisan Nasional's impregnable stronghold and many opposition leaders' backwater [...] Johor is an excellent ground for Guan Eng to prove his political talent by breaking BN's hegemony in the state," said Boo.

Boo's quit offer comes in the thick of two controversies surrounding the party - Ong Chee Keng's (left) removal as DAP Selangor chief last week as well as Bahau assemblyperson Lim Fui Ming's shock resignation from the party.

Ong, however, is disputing the legality of the emergency meeting where a motion of no-confidence was moved against him for allegedly failing to consult the state committee over several decisions made.

Observers say Ong's removal was to make way for Guan Eng to lead the party in Selangor come the next general election, a charge which Guan Eng has flatly denied amidst rumours that he has had a falling out with the DAP leadership in Malacca, his home state.

Coming hot on the heels of this is Boo's offer today to resign to allow Guan Eng to lead the party in Johor.

Ong being 'picked on'

The other major development surrounding the DAP was Fui Ming's (right) shock resignation amidst his claims that he had been 'sidelined and oppressed' by party colleagues. This, in turn, has prompted public criticisms and denials from the party's leadership.

Meanwhile, DAP Pahang Secretary Choong Siew Onn expressed deep regret over the no-confidence motion against Ong.

"I feel that Ong has been picked on and made to suffer with a lot of untruthful accusations hurled at him," said Choong in a statement today.

Choong said that the controversies in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor showed that the party needed to improve its disciplinary committee mechanisms and carry out reshuffles in some state committees.

He suggested that the party recognise the separation of powers between the national and state leadership.

"This is (for the states) to forge proper cooperation with the national level leadership in order for the party to function properly," said Choong.

Guan Eng refused comment when contacted today.