Former Transparency International VP joins DAP

Abdul Aziz: DAP more consistent than PPKR Syed Jaymal Zahiid Aug 24, 2008 DAP is more consistent on its stand regarding issues of transparency, accountability and multi-racialism than PKR, said newly joined DAP member Tunku Abdul Aziz. The former Transparency International (TI) vice-president who joined the Chinese dominated party yesterday told a press conference held during the DAP annual congress that it was this consistency which attracted him. "I have been targeting DAP for 20 years and they have been talking about consistency, transparency, accountability and the need to establish a non race based party. "I feel much more comfortable (with DAP) and I trust the people around me. I joined DAP for what it stands for, a party that has been very consistent with its beliefs," he said in response to a question on why he did not opt for PKR. Abdul Aziz believes that for a Malay to join a Chinese dominated party would mark the death of race-based politics in the country. "I am a Malay. Many would expect me to join Umno but no, I made up my mind and it is DAP that I choose and I see no future in race-based political parties," he stressed. A 'junior' vice-chairman Despite his ‘junior’ status, Abdul Aziz has been appointed as vice-chairman catapulting him into the top echelon of the party. Speaking at the same press conference, DAP stalwarts like Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh welcomed Abdul Aziz to the party. "He is a Malaysian par excellence. It is a momentous decision and to have him in the political arena would help spread much needed justice. I hope with this, more Malaysians would come forward and help us create a much better Malaysia," said Lim. Karpal on the other hand, described Abdul Aziz as a Malay intellectual and also conveyed his hope that his membership in the Chinese dominated party would trigger a domino effect. "With Abdul Aziz in the party, it proves that those who labeled DAP a Chinese chauvinist party were wrong," he said. Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng dismissed the suggestion that Abdul Aziz’s appointment was a move to appease certain quarters. "We do not have appeasement policies," he said. ...source http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88436