This was the general sentiment of critics who have condemned Hew for his past controversial statements including his claim that the South China Sea belonged to China.

Student activist Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman told FMT Hew did the “honourable thing” by punishing himself for the sake of his party.

“This is similar to actions taken by politicians in other countries where once they realised the effect of their actions, they stepped down for the good of their comrades.

“And I hope others will follow suit. If they can’t, then at the very least their party leaders should come out and condemn what they said.

“Take (Umno Supreme Council member) Nazri Aziz for example.

“Even while condemning Hew, he rightfully pointed out his disagreement with the racial protest in front of DAP headquarters.”

Gerakan Youth Chief Tan Keng Liang echoed the same thoughts, saying that credit had to be given where it was due.

“I completely disagree with Hew’s statement, especially as it undermined, among others, Malaysia’s claim over the South China Sea.

“It is unbecoming of someone with his academic background (to have made such a claim).

“But you have to give credit where credit is due and what Hew did for his party is selfless,” said Tan when contacted by FMT.

Both Tan and Syed Saddiq were commenting on Hew’s resignation from DAP following the hue and cry generated by his controversial statement.

“For DAP’s sake, I announce my resignation from the party effective today,” Hew wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday night.

According to Tan, other DAP leaders should learn from Hew and leave the political arena if they were unable to provide the best service possible to the people they were accountable to.

He said this included DAP lawmaker Nga Kor Ming, who has been criticised for his alleged inflammatory Hari Raya caricature, and the party’s secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who has been accused of corruption.