PRESSURE is mounting within Penang DAP for party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook to play a more direct role in the state’s political future after a local branch formally urged him to contest in Penang at the next general election.
The resolution was passed unanimously during the annual general meeting of the Kampung Kolam DAP branch on Sunday night, amid growing speculation that the Transport Minister could be deployed to stabilise the party’s increasingly fractured Penang leadership.
The motion was proposed by former Tanjong Member of Parliament Ng Wei Aik, who was re-elected as branch chairman, and seconded by branch secretary Khoo Yeong Ming.
Loke has neither confirmed nor dismissed speculation that he could eventually shift his political base from Negeri Sembilan to Penang, where internal divisions within the state DAP leadership are said to have deepened into rival blocs.
The Kampung Kolam branch is believed to be the first DAP branch in Penang to publicly endorse such a move.
Ng said the resolution reflected the branch’s aspiration to restore political clarity and strengthen the party’s long-term direction in the state.
“Penang has always been the frontline state for the DAP.
“Since the days of the Tanjong campaigns, and despite the defeats in the Tanjong III battle, the party has never abandoned its aspiration of making Penang its political fortress,” he said in a statement.
Ng also issued a pointed warning about the current condition of the Penang DAP leadership, claiming the party was increasingly weakened by internal rivalries and unhealthy political practices.
“Penang has always been the frontline state for the DAP.
“Since the days of the Tanjong campaigns, and despite the defeats in the Tanjong III battle, the party has never abandoned its aspiration of making Penang its political fortress,” he repeated.
However, he said the state leadership was now facing serious challenges stemming from uneven leadership, factional disputes and money-driven political campaigns.
“Penang DAP leadership was increasingly plagued by uneven leadership, factional infighting and money-driven political campaigns, which if left unaddressed, can lead to the fall of the party here,” he said.
The latest development comes as attention intensifies over the question of succession in Penang, with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expected to step down after completing his second term once the next state election is called.
Several prominent DAP figures have been mentioned as possible successors, including Penang DAP chairman and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, and DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo.
Ng, meanwhile, has in recent months become increasingly vocal on social media, openly criticising what he described as shortcomings within the present Penang administration. - May 11, 2026
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