Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) mass communication graduate Heng, 39, will stand in the Berapit state seat, replacing two-term incumbent Lydia Ong Kook Fooi.

Ong had previously announced that she was retiring from politics.

Chong Eng, who was a state executive councillor in the last state government, will defend the Padang Lalang seat, while Steven Sim Chee Keong will defend the Bukit Mertajam parliamentary seat. Chong is also Wanita DAP chief.

The other state seat of Machang Bubok is held by PKR’s Lee Khai Loon. PKR has yet to announce its candidates for Penang.

At a press conference here, state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow said Heng had been nominated because she was well-versed with local issues, having had vast experience as a journalist covering the Bukit Mertajam district for seven years. She was, in particular, well aware of the issues facing the people in Berapit, he added.

Chow said with Heng’s solid grip on languages, she was the right candidate to be fielded in her hometown.

Heng served Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as one of his press secretaries for seven years.

In her acceptance speech, she said she was eager to fight for a better Malaysia and would work hard as an assemblyman if elected.

The Pakatan Harapan presidential council previously announced that DAP would contest in the same 19 state seats as before.

The seats are Sungai Puyu, Bagan Jermal, Bagan Dalam, Berapit, Padang Lallang, Perai, Jawi, Tanjung Bungah, Air Putih, Pulau Tikus, Padang Kota, Komtar, Pengkalan Kota, Datuk Keramat, Sungai Pinang, Batu Lanchang, Seri Delima, Air Itam and Paya Terubong.