We want a stronger voice
in party leadership, say
Penang DAP delegates
They also want leaders who will fight harder for the state’s interests at the national level.
Some of the delegates surveyed by FMT said that Penang must continue to play a pivotal role in the party, given its legacy in DAP’s rise to power.
They said Penang’s dominance in national leadership appears to have waned in recent years, especially with the growing influence of DAP leaders from Selangor and Perak.
Penang should not be sidelined
Despite shifting dynamics, state DAP youth deputy chief Vijay Pillay insisted that Penang will hold its ground in the CEC, even as some veteran leaders step aside.
“There is growing competition from Selangor and Perak leaders, but with figures like (chief minister) Chow Kon Yeow and Steven Sim contesting, we expect Penang to continue shaping DAP’s direction,” he said.
For Penang DAP Youth committee member Farid Maulud, representation in the CEC will help secure real benefits for the state.
“Since Penang is led by DAP and has the highest number of DAP assemblymen, it is important that CEC leaders from Penang have a strong voice in national policies,” he said.
Farid added that having more Penang leaders in the CEC would help DAP expand its influence, particularly in Malay-majority areas.
“With strong Penang leaders in the CEC, we can push for more DAP seats at the next election and expand beyond the status quo,” he said.
Farid also believes that if given a key leadership position, Chow can help boost Penang’s development, particularly in securing federal funding for pending projects.
“We still have several pending projects, from infrastructure to other state developments, that need additional funding from the federal government. So, we hope this will help Penang,” he said.
Grassroots unhappy DAP has gone soft
Happy Valley DAP branch chief R Ganeson said the party’s leaders appear to have lost some of their fire since joining the unity government.
“DAP leaders used to fight for the people’s rights. Now, they are too soft and too afraid to speak up,” he said.
Ganeson warned that if the party continues to tread cautiously, it risks losing voter confidence in the next general election.
“If DAP continues to be too cautious, tiptoeing and being quiet at the wrong times, we risk losing support in the next general election.
“Delegates need to demand stronger leadership, especially one that is willing to fight for Penang’s interests,” he said.
Will Penang maintain its influence?
Another key factor in this election is the role national chairman Lim Guan Eng will play in the party moving forward. While some Penang delegates remain staunchly loyal to him, others believe it is time to move on and shake off accusations of dynastic politics.
With 4,203 delegates heading to the polls today and eight Penang-based candidates in the running, the battle is on.
The question remains, however, if the candidates from Penang can secure enough CEC positions to keep the state’s interests a priority in DAP. Or will this election mark a turning point in the party’s power dynamics?
Some DAP members from other states have already expressed dissatisfaction about the "Penang domination "
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