Sim said the incident, which has since led to calls for disciplinary action against the aide, identified as Tan Khong Chong, was merely “a storm in a teacup”.

He also said he has known Tan for the “longest time” and described him as a loyal DAP member.

“I do not wish to prolong this issue which is of no benefit to the party.

“It is just a storm in a teacup. Let us move on and move forward, together and stronger,” he added in a statement today.

Last night, Malaysiakini reported that the aide hurled a vulgar insult at Sim at a dinner to honour DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang and called him a traitor.

Witnesses said the incident occurred when Sim was greeting supporters at the dinner. The man approached Sim and berated him for nearly 10 seconds, and also accused him of attempting to undermine Guan Eng.

Earlier today, the youth sections of Batu Kawan and Bukit Mertajam DAP slammed Tan over his “rude and inappropriate” behaviour, and called for disciplinary action to be taken against him.