DAP has reprimanded several members, including its Malacca chairperson, for not consulting the party leadership before accepting titles conferred to them.

In an official statement today, the party's national organising secretary Anthony Loke said Tey Kok Kiew had been informed in July about the DAP Central Executive Committee's (CEC) "decade-old understanding" on the matter.

Loke said that it was decided at the CEC meeting held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that the party needed to reiterate the rule that DAP elected representatives and local councillors must not accept titles and awards during their period of active political service.

"Elected representatives and local councillors shall only receive titles and awards after retiring from active service.

"The Malacca DAP chairperson has been informed and categorically told of this decade-old CEC understanding in July," Loke said.

He added that the committee was displeased that they were not consulted by party members who were offered the awards and titles.

The party's central leadership convened last night to discuss about its leaders who were conferred state awards and medals – including 'Datuk' and 'Datuk Seri' titles.

Malacca DAP members who were conferred awards in conjunction with the state governor Mohd Khalil Yaakob’s 80th birthday on Friday were Tey (photo, right) and state legislative assembly deputy speaker Wong Fort Pin (left).

Loke said the three DAP Sabah leaders who received titles and awards from Sabah governor have also been informed of the party’s reiterated position.

Sabah DAP chairperson Stephen Wong, vice-chairperson Frankie Poon and Sri Tanjung assemblyperson Jimmy Wong were conferred the "Datuk" title after receiving the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu.

Loke said CEC decided to reprimand its leaders who denied and claimed ignorance of the understanding.

He added that those who tried to justify receiving awards without referring to DAP leadership have no respect for the party.

"DAP leaders are in politics to serve the people and not seek fame or titles or positions.

"DAP recognises the importance of titles and awards as a way to appreciate their contributions of towering figures in society and therefore advises its elected representatives and local councilors to receive these honours after they retire from active service, presumably after they have contributed to the society at large."

Loke said the party would issue a written advisory to all its elected representatives and local councillors on the committee's reiterated position.

Earlier today, DAP assistant national treasurer Ngeh Koo Ham insisted that this guideline was not a sign of disrespect against the monarchy.