The DAP central executive committee (CEC) has resolved to uphold the sacking of veteran party member Tee Boon Hock for nepotism.

In a statement, DAP chairperson Karpal Singh said that Tee was expelled for signing a recommendation letter in favour of a company owned by his son.

The company was bidding for a project from the Klang Municipal Council, at a time when he was an appointed member of the council.

At a press conference later, Karpal said that the decision was final.

"The CEC felt that the decision was fair and proper," he said.

Tee had allegedly issued the letter while he was an aide to Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu. In Tee's defence, he claimed that Liu was aware of the recommendation letter in question.

However, the disciplinary committee found Tee guilty and expelled him from the party. In accordance to party rules, Tee appealed against this to the CEC.

CEC did not talk about Liu

The disciplinary committee also dealt Liu, who is also a CEC member, a "severe reprimand" for failing to keep his office in order, resulting in the debacle which had tainted DAP's squeaky-clean image.

Several party leaders have called for severe punishment be meted on Liu for his alleged hand in the incident, with CEC Teng Chang Kim even demanding for his resignation from party and government posts.

On the committee's action against Liu, Karpal said that since no appeal have been received, the matter remains at status quo .

"The CEC doesn't have the power to enhance this sentence. This is a constitutional point. So the matter doesn't arise," said Karpal.

To another question on whether any action would be taken against Liu in view of new claims that his aides or associates may have abused his official stationary to issue dubious recommendation letters, Karpal said that the matter was not discussed by the CEC.