BUTTERWORTH – The move by DAP to allegedly overlook a few Indian leaders when unveiling its Penang candidates line-up for the state polls yesterday may result in some party members opting to contest as independents in two state seats – Prai and Bagan Dalam, respectively.
Party insiders said that some factions of Indian members are upset with the decision of the party to field former Penang Eco World Bhd chief executive officer Datuk S. Sundarajoo to replace state DAP deputy chairman P. Ramasamy in Prai, and Calvin K. Kumaran in Bagan Dalam, freezing out incumbent M. Sateesh.
Sateesh has raised eyebrows over his press conference to outline his future position in the party.
One of the younger leaders brought into DAP by Ramasamy, Sateesh is also a strong advocate of human rights as well as on socioeconomic issues of the community.
There is a viral photograph circulating on social media of a DAP leader holding what looks like a candidate nomination form.
Despite the hopes of DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke for no backlash to the party’s efforts to renew the party by lowering the average age of leaders to 46 for this coming electoral term, there are still plenty of emotions unsettling the party.
Sundarajoo, when approached for comment, said that he hopes that as a junior candidate, the senior leaders can be around to advise and guide him to ensure the seats are retained.
DAP is the incumbent in 19 state seats, which the party has held since 2008.
Meanwhile, veteran Chong Eng, who was not renominated after serving for six terms, posted a poignant farewell on her social media accounts.
She shared photographs of moments with DAP candidates and members.
She thanked those who supported her.
“For those who supported me, don’t give up on DAP. Party is made up of men and women, we cannot expect everyone (to be) perfect. So, you can give up on individuals but do not give up on the party.”
“To my supporters. Don’t give up on DAP. There are all kinds of people in the party, and no one is perfect. So (one) can give up the individual, don’t give up (on) DAP.”
Chong Eng, aged 66, bade farewell to public office after 30 years in her stride.
She is still the Wanita DAP head and under her tutelage, the party is fielding four women for the second time in Penang.
The four are Phee Syn Tze (Sg Puyu), Heng Lee Lee (Berapit), Lim Siew Khim (Sg Pinang), and Connie Tan (Seri Delima).
Meanwhile, Penang Perikatan Nasional (PN) will unveil its candidates later tonight at the PAS district office in Kepala Batas. – The Vibes, July 26, 2023
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