I refer to DAP Youth chairperson Teng Chang Khim's comments to the press that national chairperson Lim Kit Siang decline nomination to the Central Executive Committee. Although his statement is couched in very diplomatic and cautious language, I can only conclude that he is trying to make a scapegoat of Kit Siang for the failures of the others especially himself.

I must say that his argument is most bizarre. He has equated the formidable party presence of Kit Siang with the inability of reforms to take off.

Many would disagree with this.

Kit Siang's presence is all permeating in the DAP because many of the other leaders are unable to match his immense contribution. He has voiced his stand on every major issue and he is respected for it, quite unlike Teng.

Do members know what Teng's stand is on the Islamic state as proposed by PAS? We have had only unmitigated silence on his part as the leader of the Youth wing, in sharp contrast to his counterpart in PAS. Many expected a stronger stand from the DAP Youth on the SJK (C) Damansara issue.

Even in the Lunas incident, the Youth wing's contribution was minimal. Where were Teng and the others of his ilk at the height of the Petaling Selatan clashes? Did anyone prevent Teng and his kind from playing a prominent role in party matters?

Surely, we are not expected to create a vacuum by suggesting Kit Siang downplay his role and wait for Teng and his team to exert their presence. One does not have to exclude the other!

Losing a valuable and proven asset with the hope of an proven leader exerting his positive influence on the party is a risky bargain to go for!

I strongly suggest that Teng stop making excuses for his shortcomings and making a scapegoat out of Lim Kit Siang.