GEORGE TOWN – Despite his age, party veteran Phee Boon Poh, 69, has returned to mainstream state politics after his performance at the Penang DAP polls last weekend.
Phee, after spending more than a decade confined to the sidelines, was at the number two spot, just 170 votes shy of Chow Kon Yeow.
He beat out state DAP secretary Lim Hui Ying, who is the younger sister of secretary-general Lim Guan Eng – an eye opener for the delegates.
He said he was thankful that the delegates had faith in him.
Butterworth-based Phee is a three-term state executive councillor, who has been lauded for his efforts to bring about the caring society concept to Penang and his outspokenness on issues relating to the environment, such as plastic waste and oil spills.
In December 2019, Phee was among the earliest leaders who warned against Covid-19 and helped to bring in masks and personal protective equipment before it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
Phee’s proactive and caring attitude were cited as among the key reasons why he was supported by the delegates.
Some feel that Phee is projecting himself as a potential Penang chief minister despite his age, if DAP’s reign continues in the state.
Penang’s chief minister post is limited to two terms.
Phee’s younger brother, Boon Chee, finished 13th out of 15th in the polls.
Meanwhile, Penang DAP treasurer Wong Hon Wai is calling for the creation of more bureaus to accommodate the many leaders who are keen on serving despite not making the cut in the polls.
He said the respective states could co-opt unelected but capable leaders into bureaus that can be used as outreach tools.
“When I first contested in 2000, there were less than 20 candidates seeking the 15 elected committee posts. Nobody seemed keen then.
“This year, 44 candidates sought 15 slots in the recent Penang DAP polls. We have a degree of popularity, but we must not rest on our laurels. We need to serve the communities more,” Wong told The Vibes.
He said by forming more bureaus, more leaders can be asked to render their expertise and experience in areas such as technology, public health, and the economy.
“We should now be focusing on the external elections. We need strategies to stay competitive and be wary of counter-attacks by our rivals. We hope there is no betrayal by our allies.” – The Vibes, March 26, 2021
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