He said residents in some areas claim things are no different for them despite the strong economic growth in the state since 2008.

Chow urged DAP and government leaders to stay close to the people and remain sensitive to their needs, adding that public support for the state government could only be strengthened by working hard at the grassroots level.

“Even though Penang has developed so much, there are still communities in certain areas who may feel the benefits have not reached them.

“I hope our leaders will always be sensitive to the people’s voices, work hard, and help them overcome local issues,” he said at a Deepavali open house organised by Penang DAP in Air Itam.

Human resources minister Steven Sim said Chow’s remarks were a reminder that political parties cannot take public support for granted.

“Generally speaking, no political party, whether in government or opposition, should ever take public support for granted,” he said.

Sim added that what mattered now were tangible results rather than rhetoric, adding that the government’s focus was on making sure ordinary workers prospered, through higher minimum wages, social protection and free rehabilitation services under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).

Separately, Chow also said DAP leaders must continue listening to the people and focus on solving everyday problems, such as flooding, traffic congestion, water supply and housing repairs.

He said that by improving performance on the ground, leaders would reinforce public confidence in the DAP-led state government.