In a joint statement today, Tan and Fong said their withdrawal from the race would make room for a new generation of leaders to play more pivotal leadership roles.

“Today, DAP is blessed with many talented individuals, and we have a good leadership succession plan.

“We have full confidence in DAP’s core leadership team. Their competence gives us the assurance and confidence that the party’s future is in capable hands,” they said.

In a separate statement, Phee thanked the DAP branches for his nomination, but said he would withdraw his candidacy to make room for the next generation of leaders.

He said he was first nominated as a DAP candidate in 1990 and had served five terms in the Penang state assembly and three as a state executive councillor.

“During this time, I have taken every opportunity to train new talents and make them future leaders,” he said.

The trio’s withdrawal comes amid drama around the intensified campaigning for the DAP elections.

A group of veteran members recently alleged the existence of a “deep state” in the party aimed at undermining the influence of national chairman Lim Guan Eng and his team.