Speaking at the Penang government’s 10th anniversary celebration last night, he called on the people to urge their friends and family members to come home for the polls.
“To win Putrajaya, the turnout in GE14 must be as high as the turnout in the 13th general election (GE13). Call and ask them to come back. This time we really, really stand a chance of taking Putrajaya.
“We ask all Malaysians, regardless of race, to do this. There is no other way,” the DAP secretary-general told the several thousand-strong audience.
The voter turnout in GE13 was 84.84%. In Penang, the then-Pakatan Rakyat government was returned to power, securing 30 out of 40 seats.
The remaining 10 seats were won by Umno.
The opposition pact was unexpectedly voted into power in the 12th general election, winning 29 out of 40 seats.
Last night’s event was attended by Pakatan Harapan (PH) president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin, PPBM vice-president Mukhriz Mahathir, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang, PH chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah and other state PH leaders.
Guan Eng urged Penangites to continue supporting the state government, promising that the leaders would not avoid or run away from any troubles faced by the people.
“We will be with the people to resolve whatever problems occur. This is our promise and our guarantee as the state government,” he said.
Muhyiddin meanwhile called on Penang to lead by example and pioneer change in the country.
“The time is up for Barisan Nasional, and Penang must be the starting point for change to happen in the whole country.
“It is here where we want to see change take place. You defend PH as the government here, but you also need to start moving around and get people to vote for PH to ensure we will form the next government in Putrajaya.”
Muhyiddin said the PH leaders had all come together as the country was facing a serious crisis.
He added that he could not have imagined himself standing on a stage beside a state government led by Guan Eng.
“This cannot be resolved by just a few of us. The only thing that can be done is if people like you, the few million voters, understand that we cannot allow this crisis to continue.
“Malaysia is a lovely and beautiful country. We were born here and we will die here. We want to make sure Malaysia becomes a developed country, and ensure all races can live in prosperity.
“We cannot allow Prime Minister Najib Razak to remain in Putrajaya. He does not deserve to be prime minister,” he added.