Wanita DAP assistant publicity secretary Syerleena Abdul Rashid and Bangkok Lane DAP branch chief Chris Lee have both agreed to let bygones be bygones.

“What’s in the past is done. What we should do now is focus on the present and plan for the future.

“It is good he (Teoh) has realised there are better ways to get his message across; going through the proper channels is the best option.

“I look forward to Roger’s contributions and constructive suggestions,” Syerleena told FMT, adding that it all boiled down to one common goal, which was to do what was best for Penang.

Lee said he could only speak for himself in welcoming Teoh back to the party.

“On a personal level, let’s move on from this episode and work together for Penang’s future. At the end of the day, the welfare of Penangites is our priority,” he said.

FMT reported earlier today that Teoh had withdrawn his resignation from DAP after “constructive talks with the Penang government’s top leadership”.

Teoh said he was going back to the party after he was assured of “a direct channel” to air his criticism of the transport master plan.

Less than three weeks ago, Teoh quit DAP after complaining that the state government and party did not listen to his views on the PTMP.

The PhD student in Transport Studies at the Imperial College in London had argued that the master plan would fail unless it was fully based on the development of public transport. He wrote several articles criticising the PTMP before and after he announced he was quitting the party.

His open criticisms drew flak from young DAP grassroots leaders such as Syerleena and Lee, both Penang Island City councillors.

Both felt Teoh lacked the experience and understanding of what the state government and local authorities faced in dealing with Penang’s worsening traffic congestion.

They said his statements criticising the state and the party did not provide solutions to present traffic problems.