With 1,466 delegates from 296 branches voting for the state committee at the Setia Spice Convention Centre, today’s results will shape Penang DAP’s direction ahead of the next general election.
Outgoing chairman Chow Kon Yeow is not contesting, and DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has endorsed vice-chairman Steven Sim and state secretary Lim Hui Ying as the “best team” to lead the chapter.
But many delegates feel the decision should be made by Penang members alone.
“Penang leads, we don’t follow,” said Lim Chin Teik, treasurer of the Gottlieb Gardens branch, echoing the views of those who want local control over the party’s future.
Another delegate from the Nibong Tebal division, who did not want to be named, said he did not want to be schooled by “outsiders” on who to pick to lead the state chapter.
“Only the locals know what is in the best interests of the party, not someone from outside,” he said.
“We have had the recipe for success for the past three terms. We don’t want to spoil that.”
Another delegate from Tanjong said while the delegates respected Loke, the “decision is best left to us”.
R Soresh, the Jalan Delima branch chairman, said that today’s results would reflect the party’s mandate above all else.
“We are not just voting for a chairman, but for a team that will advance our interests.”
Kepala Batas branch member Danny Ang said he trusts the party’s top leaders to guide its direction, adding that the members will “follow the ever-capable leadership”.
Boay Lye Imm said she would be voting for stability, adding that Penang DAP needs a strong leader who can steer the chapter through the next general election.
First-time voter and the Jalan Delima branch’s publicity secretary, Amie Syaryati Ghazali, said she wants a leadership that is focused on harmonising relations among the various races.
Chow, meanwhile, has urged members to put the party above personal interests.
The Penang chief minister said Penang DAP members should stay true to the party’s cause, adding that DAP and Penang would not be enjoying its current success without support from the public.
“I am glad to hand over a party that I believe is much better than it was 25 years ago,” he said to a standing ovation from delegates and fellow leaders.
DAP has secured the most seats in the Penang legislature since 2008 with 19 seats, leading a coalition government under the Pakatan Harapan umbrella alongside Umno.