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ALL DAP leaders holding government positions must be reminded that they owe their positions to the party and should thus toe the line, party chairman Lim Guan Eng asserted today.
He reasoned that public elections have shown that people support the party and not individual leaders.
"For this reason, all leaders and members must be disciplined and abide by party directives,” he said
“As elected representatives, we must listen to the people and make sure that civil servants implement our policies that benefit the people," he Lim when addressing some 2,000 delegates at the annual Penang DAP convention at The Top in Komtar.
Referring to the open-tender system, Lim said DAP supports Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's emphasis on open public tenders.
However, there are certain exceptions that are internationally recognised, which Lim said he had mentioned when he was finance minister from 2018 to 2020.
Lim also urged the government to act firmly against officials who do not comply with open tender requirements, unless the situation falls under certain circumstances.
"Remember the people elected you, not the civil service, to get the job done and make their lives better," he said.
Lim also said that DAP must continue to regenerate and renew itself with a clear succession plan.
The party’s national leadership led the way with a transition of power to current secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, he said. Lim previously occupied the position before being made chairman.
He said Loke who will set the future direction of the party.
“We are a young party, and will continue to be a party that is young in ideas and ideals even amongst veteran members. DAP is an equal opportunity party, including for women," he said.
Lim also underlined the importance of understanding the five aspirations of voters in Penang who have kept steadfast with the party since 2008.
"One, economic prosperity for all, particularly good business opportunities and employment prospects with progressive wages. Two, good quality education and training for our children. Third, a reliable health care system. Fourth, Penang as an international city that is clean, safe, green and healthy," he said.
The fifth aspiration is for a digital future that is affordable, available, and accessible to all, he added
To achieve this all, Lim said, the country must have political stability, a united nation comprising all communities regardless of backgrounds, and a government that is competent, accountable and transparent.
Any backbencher can question CM Chow, says Loke
Meanwhile, Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who is the current chief minister and Lim’s successor for the post, admitted that imperfections may dog his state administration.
With days to go before the government marks its 100 days in governing Penang since the general election in July, Chow told the gathering that there will always be imperfections and weaknesses in any government.
"We can do with sincere advice and support. We also encourage feedback based on the party’s principles. With that, we can eventually overcome any weaknesses," he said.
Later, Loke Siew Fook, who officiated at the convention, said that Chow has assured him that any DAP backbencher can question his administration or offer sound advice.
"And the best platform is tomorrow's state assembly legislative sitting. Anyone can ask Chow questions and he has promised to answer them," Loke said.
Incidentally, Lim is the state assemblyman for Air Puteh.
Loke said that this shows that Chow has nothing to hide over his administration. – The Vibes, November 19, 2023.
