GEORGE TOWN – The DAP-led Penang government will not dissolve its state assembly even if Putrajaya holds a snap federal election, echoing Pakatan Harapan’s stand.
Quoting the state constitution, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that Penang has the right to hold off until 2023 and not necessarily follow in the footsteps of the federal government.
“It has been proven before that some states would rather do their own election. It was previously done in Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak, and (of late) Melaka and Johor.”
Chow said this after opening the 35th anniversary celebrations of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association and CEO Forum here.
Meanwhile, Chow said DAP delegates wanted to vote digitally during its national convention this weekend, but the party constitution disallows it.
The party will be seeing new faces for its chairman and secretary-general.
Chow is said to be defending his vice-presidency post and remains a favourite to retain it, despite concerns over his style of leadership in Penang.
Former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng is expected to assume the party’s chairmanship, while his protégé Anthony Loke Siew Fook is touted as the new secretary-general.
Chow said DAP wants to ensure that 30% of the central executive committee (CEC) consists of women.
It marks an accomplishment for veteran DAP women’s chief Chong Eng, who has been championing this cause for the longest of time.
Expect women such as Seri Delima assemblywoman Syerleena Abdul Rashid and Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto to have a shot at being elected to the CEC. – The Vibes, March 18, 2022
