Eyes on new leaders as Chow’s exit shakes up Penang DAP

FMT: 

Eyes on new leaders as

Chow’s exit shakes up

Penang DAP

Predeep Nambiar

-07 Sep 2024, 09:00 AM

Party leaders across all levels weigh in on Chow Kon Yeow’s exit, potential successors, and the future of DAP in Penang.

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Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow has decided not to defend his post in the party elections on Sept 22. (Bernama pic)

GEORGE TOWN: 

Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow’s decision to withdraw from the party’s state elections reflects underlying deeper issues within the party, according to several DAP rank-and-file members.

While there is a perception of waning support for Chow within Penang DAP and dissatisfaction with his leadership, some leaders who spoke to FMT view his withdrawal as a calculated and principled move.

Bukit Tambun DAP branch chief Teoh Seang Hooi praised Chow as a 

gentleman politician

 who recognised the right time to step down.

Teoh Seang Hooi.

He is at his political peak but knows his time is up as he approaches his final term as chief minister. He knows when to leave,

 Teoh said, noting that the situation is more complex than it appears in the media.

DAP national veterans chief Lay Hock Peng had a similar view, and said the party respects Chow’s decision and supports him despite his decision not to contest.

Lay Hock Peng.

The party will stand by him throughout, even if he’s not the chairman. After all, Chow is still a loyal DAP member,

 he said. 

We may have differences of opinion, but we are all comrades and united.

Despite these assurances, a former grassroots leader, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Chow should have stayed in the race.

As the incumbent chief minister, he would have garnered significant support. I doubt he would have lost a spot in the top 15. He might not be the most dynamic politician, but he is not power-hungry,

 said the source.

Chow’s withdrawal may hurt his reputation but is unlikely to affect DAP’s election prospects. The state chapter is expected to align with Lim Guan Eng’s supporters following the party elections on Sept 22.

A senior party figure said that 

this episode may cause some damage to reputations, but it won’t cost us the next general election,

 due to the growing threat posed by Perikatan Nasional.

A DAP member from Kepala Batas voiced concerns about the party’s future, urging the leadership to focus on grooming younger Malay leaders from Seberang Perai, a region where PN has gained ground.

We must start preparing more Malay leaders, especially from Seberang Perai. The leadership must give way to them if we’re going to win over this area,

 the member said.

Hui Ying a potential successor?

Chow’s exit has sparked speculation about his successor, with strong rumours circulating that Guan Eng’s sister Lim Hui Ying is being positioned for the Penang DAP chairmanship that could lead to the chief minister role.

Federal minister Steven Sim, the MP for Bukit Mertajam, is viewed as being capable, but indecision within the party regarding his leadership prospects has intensified speculation about Hui Ying’s potential role.

Hui Ying might face doubt about her ability to lead a state, especially from Penangites, but she’ll have to learn on the job,

 another senior DAP source said.

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kt comments:

Methinks "someone" may want to be Empress Dowager Cixi and "rule behind the curtain", wakakaka 😁😂😆