Speaking at a press conference today, Sabah DAP publicity secretary Phoong Jin Zhe said he could not understand why the chairs, which had the letters “MPS” painted on the back, should be an issue at all.

“We are now producing the receipt as proof that we rented the items according to the rules and regulations set by the municipal council.

“We are forced to do this because former prime minister Najib Razak did not believe we followed the rules. He challenged DAP and wrote on his Facebook page that DAP failed to show the approval letter and receipt.

“Actually, this is a small matter and I really cannot understand why he wanted to take issue with this,” he said.

Phoong then showed the approval letter and receipt for the rental of the 500 chairs plus transportation amounting to RM700, dated March 29.

The chairs were used for DAP’s campaign programme on the same day.

Phoong, who is also Luyang assemblyman, said Najib had failed to prove that DAP committed any offence and demanded that the former prime minister retract his statement and apologise.

“This is not right. Besides, this is a small issue. There is no need to attack us on Facebook. He is a former prime minister and he should have the integrity not to accuse others without proof,” he said.

Phoong also demanded that MCA president Wee Kah Siong retract his statement and apologise for writing on his Facebook page about the same issue.