Stay committed to DAP's core struggles, Chow tells Penang party members
Published: Sep 22, 2024 2:16 PM
Outgoing Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow has urged party members to remain committed to its core struggles and not take their achievements for granted.
Speaking at the party’s state convention in Penang today, Chow (above), who is relinquishing his post, encouraged all members to prioritise the party’s interests above their own.
“We have achieved much, but we must continue to persevere with dedication and commitment. We must be guided by the party’s vision and mission and always respect the people,” said the Padang Kota assemblyperson in his opening speech.
“I am glad to be handing over a party that, in my opinion, is far stronger today than it was 25 years ago,” he added.
On Sept 4, Chow, who has led Penang DAP since 1999, confirmed that he would not seek re-election for a third term despite being nominated to contest in the state committee election.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke
The Penang chief minister revealed that DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had instructed him to prepare a succession plan after he was reappointed as state leader after the 2023 state polls.
Amid speculation over who would succeed him in the government and the state party chapter, Chow reportedly remarked that the next chief minister and DAP state leader must balance his accommodative style and DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng’s outspoken approach.
On Sept 11, Lim announced that he would stay out of the state DAP polls, amid speculation of an internal tussle within the state chapter with those allegedly aligned to the Bagan MP reportedly seeking greater control.
Significant transformation
Chow elaborated on the party’s significant transformation since its founding, particularly after becoming the ruling power in Penang in 2008, noting its considerable growth.
“We have expanded from just 20 branches to nearly 300 today, with an influx of both young and old, men and women, joining the party.
“Today, we have become a much stronger party in terms of organisation, financial resources, publicity, and people support. We continue to lead Penang government together with our coalition partners for the fourth term,” he emphasised.
Chow, also the Batu Kawan MP, concluded by expressing his gratitude to the people, the state government, and the party.
He highlighted Penang’s remarkable achievements despite facing global and national political and economic challenges, particularly its status as the top state for foreign direct investment.
The Penang chief minister revealed that DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had instructed him to prepare a succession plan after he was reappointed as state leader after the 2023 state polls.
Amid speculation over who would succeed him in the government and the state party chapter, Chow reportedly remarked that the next chief minister and DAP state leader must balance his accommodative style and DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng’s outspoken approach.
On Sept 11, Lim announced that he would stay out of the state DAP polls, amid speculation of an internal tussle within the state chapter with those allegedly aligned to the Bagan MP reportedly seeking greater control.
Significant transformation
Chow elaborated on the party’s significant transformation since its founding, particularly after becoming the ruling power in Penang in 2008, noting its considerable growth.
“We have expanded from just 20 branches to nearly 300 today, with an influx of both young and old, men and women, joining the party.
“Today, we have become a much stronger party in terms of organisation, financial resources, publicity, and people support. We continue to lead Penang government together with our coalition partners for the fourth term,” he emphasised.
Chow, also the Batu Kawan MP, concluded by expressing his gratitude to the people, the state government, and the party.
He highlighted Penang’s remarkable achievements despite facing global and national political and economic challenges, particularly its status as the top state for foreign direct investment.
“Penang is now an important industrial state and an economic powerhouse in the country.
“Most economic sectors have recovered from the pandemic and are poised for further growth.
“My deepest gratitude and appreciation to the party and members for giving me with the opportunity to serve and lead Penang DAP for the past 25 years,” he remarked.
Calls for unity, stability
Lim expressed his appreciation to Chow, who has served as state chairperson since 1999.
“Let us also thank the Penang DAP state secretariat for successfully organising today’s state ordinary convention in a grand manner, especially the volunteers who worked tirelessly since yesterday,” the Bagan MP said in a speech.
As party delegates pick new leaders today, Lim urged party members to remain united and committed to promoting stability.
“This is to ensure the government can resolve the cost of living and pressing economic issues to bring prosperity to the country so the people can enjoy a better life.”
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