Loke said the issue has been debated for years and that a policy review is appropriate, given DAP’s bigger role in federal and state governments over the past 17 years.
He said the current policy might be too rigid, particularly in cases where state rulers have expressed their intention to confer titles on DAP elected representatives.
“Take Selangor, for example. Ng Suee Lim, a five-term assemblyman, was offered a (Datuk) title. But under party rules, he would have to decline the honour,” he said at the party’s 18th national congress today.
“If our rules are too strict, we may come across as being ‘harsh’. Therefore, we should allow for some flexibility.”
In 2018, the DAP central executive committee approved a resolution and issued a written advisory to all DAP elected representatives and local councillors, urging them not to accept titles and awards during their active political service.
At Sabah DAP’s ordinary convention last October, Loke was reported to have said that the no-Datukship ruling would be debated during this national congress.
However, today, he said the party’s CEC would determine the criteria for any honorary title nomination.
“There must be some conditions. Naturally, receiving an award comes with certain requirements. So, this will be discussed at the upcoming CEC meeting to establish a more flexible policy,” he said.
He said DAP values and appreciates honorary titles conferred upon retired leaders, adding that “the highest recognition awarded to Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang was a mark of great respect”.
However, he clarified that relaxing the policy does not mean every DAP MP currently serving as a minister or deputy minister should automatically receive an honorary title.
“I will not request anything for myself – let me remain as ‘Encik’ or ‘Saudara’,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
“But if a state ruler, as in the Sultan or Yang di-Pertua Negeri, nominates any of our lawmakers, the matter must be presented to the CEC for a case-by-case review in a more considerate and flexible manner.”