GEORGE TOWN – Three known factions in Penang DAP are looking to hold sway in today’s polls amid uncertainties in the party and nation.
The results this evening could foreshadow the central executive committee elections in June.
DAP is expecting a changing of its guard when Lim Guan Eng’s term as secretary-general ends in a few months, raising speculation as to who will replace him come June.
Delegates expect him to assume the national chairman’s post following Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai’s retirement.
Externally, there is the looming general election, the Covid-19 pandemic, a declining economy, the shift in allegiance among Malay parties, as well as defections and party-hopping.
Today’s party polls will see a record 44 candidates vying for a spot in the committee, but DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and his son, Guan Eng, have chosen to stay out of state-level contests.
In the thick of it emerges three factions in the Penang chapter.
One is Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow joining forces with Guan Eng’s younger sister, Lim Hui Ying, who is expected to be among the top five of 15 elected candidates, cementing her place in the state DAP committee.
Another faction comprises mainland warlords in Butterworth, Nibong Tebal, Bukit Mertajam and Kepala Batas, and the last, a group of former elected representatives who feel they have been unfairly sidelined.
On the mainland, siblings Phee Boon Poh and Phee Boon Chee have a grip on Butterworth, while it remains to be seen if veteran Chong Eng and rising technocrat Steven Sim will fare well.
And, will Kepala Batas and Nibong Tebal kingmakers Lay Hock Peng and Jason Hng come out tops?
DAP’s state polls revolve around its branches, with an average of seven people nominated as delegates with voting rights, and close to 300 branches in Penang.
Of the 300, most are on the mainland, with Kepala Batas, Bagan, Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal having a sizable presence. On the island, it is Bukit Bendera and Jelutong.
Today will determine if the Chow-Hui Ying pact can edge out veterans Danny Law Heng Kiang, Ng Wei Aik and blogger Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun.
Not to be left out in the cold is lawyer and Guan Eng’s former political secretary Wong Hon Wai, as well as assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari.
Two young leaders, namely Pulau Tikus rep Chris Lee Chun Kit and newlywed Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Seri Delima), have opted to sit out.
Another factor is the rise of Indian influence in Penang DAP, with Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy saying 30% of delegates are from the community.
There are 41 Indian-only branches in Penang, and murmurings that some leaders were prevented from forming more – which was an issue in Perak.
“There are some who worked hard, but lost, and some who didn’t do anything but found themselves elected,” said Ramasamy.
Focus is also on the sons of the late DAP stalwart Karpal Singh – Jagdeep Singh Deo and Ramkarpal Singh – as well as his law protege R.S.N. Rayer, who is now the legal face of the party.
The hints may be in past election results, said Wong.
In the last round, Ramasamy, Zairil and Syerleena were left out.
Ooi said the veterans provide checks and balances, serving as a reminder to current leaders of the origins of DAP and how the party took some 30 years to make its mark.
Political scientist Sivamurugan Pandian said DAP needs to reform itself – all parties have to, for that matter – in view of changes in the political landscape, from the fracture on the Malay ground to the rise of far-right movements, and keeping in mind the pandemic and economic downturn.
But, can DAP make meaningful reforms?
The answer will be partly known after today’s polls, a result of months of campaigning – from whispers and online engagements to physically distanced dinners and coffee treats. – The Vibes, March 21, 2021
Additional reporting by Rachel Yeoh
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