DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has described Malacca DAP chief Tey Kok Kiew as "stubborn" for failing to apologise over his acceptance of a datukship in violation of the party's policy, according to a Berita Harian report.

The report quoted Lim as saying that two other leaders who accepted their titles had apologised for not first consulting the party.

"They were Bemban assemblyperson Wong Fort Pin in Malacca and Sandakan MP Stephen Wong.

"Looks like only Malacca is left, which is being stubborn. I did not ask them to return their awards, I only asked that they either publicly or privately apologise," he said during the 18th Negeri Sembilan DAP convention in Seremban today.

Lim said the policy required no "black and white" and all members should have understood the matter.

"If after you have ended your political career and want to receive the award, then no problem," he said.

Tey had claimed that the DAP leadership did not provide clear direction on the acceptance of the datukship.

He also said the party's central executive committee should inform state rulers about their stance on awards.