Kuala Lumpur: The DAP polls in Penang suggests that DAP delegates have yet to accept the concept of a Malaysian Malaysia which promotes a multi-racial leadership, said a veteran Malay leader.

Penang DAP committee member Zulkifli Mohd Noor, who got booted out at the recent polls, said it was different from BN, which seemed to have already accepted the concept although the latter brands itself in another name.

"I have sent a message that if DAP is serious in wanting a Malaysian Malaysia which has been accepted by BN, it must be shown here (in the central executive committee line-up)," said Zulkifli (left), who is a Penang municipal councillor.

Another veteran Malay DAP leader Ahmad Ton who also failed to make it to the top 20 CEC list voted in during the party's just concluded 16th congress, backed Zulkifli's statement.

He urged the party to strengthen the Malaysian Malaysia spirit within the DAP in the future.

"It would be difficult for the DAP in the future if they do not value the concept of Bangsa Malaysia. I have told my comrades that we need to strengthen the concept," he added.

Ahmad, however, continues to hold firm the believe that DAP can achieve its goal of turning the Malaysian Malaysia multi-racial concept into reality in the country.

"I have been a DAP member for 36 years and I believe in the party's Bangsa Malaysia concept," he said.

Senator Ariffin Omar (right), who was appointed as one of the vice-presidents in the CEC line-up today, said that the priority for DAP is to attract Malays with strong principles to the party.

"We need Malays who are principled, not those who join the party today and quit tomorrow for the sake of monetary benefits," he said.

"To me, the DAP needs a bit of time to capture the confidence of the Malays towards the party," he added.