Senior DAP leaders volunteer to help 'calm rift' in Penang

GEORGE TOWN - A group of senior DAP leaders have stepped up and volunteered to mediate over the ongoing leadership rift in the state, fearing it may lead to the downfall of the party, similar to what happened to Gerakan, if left unchecked.

The veterans, who preferred to remain anonymous, said it would be best for the party to set aside all differences and focus on the needs of the voters before it is too late.

“Do not let history repeat itself. Gerakan ruled Penang from 1969 but it was booted out close to 40 years later,partly due to infighting among its leaders here.

"We invite all quarters concerned to meet and discuss what the issue is and seek a solution. We believe the problems are due to differences of opinions and approaches in governance, but this is something which can peacefully be resolved without the need to drag it into the open," said the leaders.

They also hope that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow would heed the need for some changes on how the state is governed from reducing bureaucracy to advocating the line of competency, accountability and transparency (CAT).

Their remarks follow the views expressed by Penang DAP veteran Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, who was quoted saying that the grassroots in Penang want the political tensions in the state to be resolved.

This, according to Phee, is to ensure that DAP focuses 100% on governance, especially since the country is struggling with much more important issues, like the rising cost of living.

“We have already sent a message (to the leaders), Try to relax, take a step back and see the bigger picture in Penang,” Phee said.

He noted that there is too much politicking in the country and it distracts the government and the people from focusing on what counts; such as reducing inflation and improving productivity.

Penang is witnessing an unprecedented fallout in the state DAP after Chow alleged earlier that there was an attempt to oust him as the state's top executive.

Chow's predecessor Lim Guan Eng, the DAP chairman in a statement, urged him to produce evidence of such claims, and for such matters to be discussed internally. - The Vibes, October 24, 2023.