GEORGE TOWN – Four DAP leaders from Penang, who are among the 70 candidates contesting for the party’s central executive committee (CEC) tomorrow, have withdrawn their candidacy at the last minute – citing their support for party secretary-general Anthony Loke’s suggestion to revamp the central committee.
In a joint statement, Sg Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, former Bagan Jermal assemblyman Datuk Soon Lip Chee, K. Kalidas and R. Kaliyappan said that the present central committee under Loke’s leadership has successfully steered the party throughout the present 2022-2025 term.
“We fully support the secretary-general’s proposal to revamp the CEC to ‘foster new spirits’ as we face the upcoming challenges (for the party). Therefore, we call upon all the delegates to give their full support for the third-generation leadership of the party,” they said.
A united Penang DAP team
The quartet also said that the party’s bastion, Penang, is an important state as it is the only state with a chief minister appointed from the party. The position is currently held by party vice-chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who is in his second and last term.
Therefore, to ensure that the party can secure a fifth win in the next state elections, the quartet emphasised the need to have a Penang DAP that can move as a united, strong team.
“This cannot be achieved as long as there are attempts, especially from the party members themselves, to interfere and badmouth the party and the state government,” they added.
“We the undersigned, have decided to withdraw our CEC candidacy so that we could explain to party members in Penang and all over the country the importance of fully backing the third generation (3G) leadership, to form a strong and united leadership lineup to face the next general election (GE16) and state elections.
“(Let us be) strong inside and on the outside (the party),” they added.
The CEC election, which will take place at Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam, will see 70 candidates competing for positions in the 30-person CEC.
A 30% gender quota system is in place, where nine positions will be filled by women.
The leadership election has drawn widespread attention and speculations, especially on the future of the current party chairman Lim Guan Eng in the party, as there have been leaders and grassroots members who have reportedly urged him to give way for a fresh face to take up the position. – March 15, 2025