With DAP state-level elections looming tomorrow calls are being made for delegates to vote wisely based on candidates contributions and not sentiments.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: A DAP veteran has called on delegates voting in tomorrow’s state-level DAP elections to cast their votes based on what the candidates have contributed to the party over the past three years.
Jalan Tembikai DAP branch head K Gunabalan said: “Delegates must choose wisely and not be swayed by sentiments, nor elements of cronyism.”
Gunabalan fears that the over 1,000 delegates, casting their ballots tomorrow, may vote along the lines of factionism or personality, saying the party delegates must not forget the party’s original struggles.
Approximately 40 candidates qualify to contest for 15-slots in the state DAP election.
Those who win, will later determine posts to be held by individuals elected.
The present line-up comprises of Padang Kota assemblyman Chow Kon Yeow as the state chairman with veteran Lim Hock Seng as his deputy.
It is expected that several candidates are likely to withdraw from the running when elections begin tomorrow at the George Town City Hotel.
However, the number of contestants still is expected to remain large, in view of DAP’s popularity, believed to currently be at an all time high after it performed well in the GE13.
“Now that DAP is a popular party with positions in government, particularly at Penang state level, it is important to support candidates who have served the party. We must distingush the difference between party and government posts,” Gunabalan said.
Gunabalan reminded delegates not to emulate Umno, who have blurred the distinction of holding party and government positions.
“Governments come and go but what remains is our party struggle so we must clearly support those who have worked and served DAP in Penang.”
“I am worried that the criteria for choosing leaders may be hijacked by the thirst for power or craving for positions within the state government,” he added.
Gunabalan urged delegates to refrain from factionism and not to have the idea that winning a slot in the Penang DAP committee is an automatic ticket to becoming an assemblyman, a Member of Parliament or a councillor.
The way forward for DAP is to elect candidates who have strong leadership qualities, those who have served the party diligently, avoid polarising figures, while taking into account the command of seniority, he asserted.
Gunabalan opined that DAP should shed public perception that it is a Chinese-centric party by voting for a balanced representation of leaders.
Veterans led by Chow, who are mostly the incumbents, will be the favorites to be re-elected tomorrow.
Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s younger sister Lim Hui Ling, are also expected to be retained.
Pushing for the remaining slots are relatively newcomers, the outspoken Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi, Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim and darkhorses are former Pulau Tikus assemblyman Koay Teng Hai, councillor Ong Ah Teong and Jawi assemblyman Soon Lip Chee.
State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, voted out in the previous election, is expected to make a comeback this time round.
It is learnt that a tagline has emerged admist the campaigning trail, which is for delegates to support the party’s elected representatives in the election. fmt
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