GEORGE TOWN – Former PKR deputy secretary-general S. Raveentharan has called on Pakatan Harapan (PH) to offer a “dignified exit” for state assemblymen who are not renominated to contest.
Raveentharan, a former Batu Uban assemblyman for one term (2008-2013), said a party’s renewal process must be orderly and justified.
“There may be many reasons (for replacing incumbents); from age to performance to political posts to internal jostling and public feedback or gender, but ultimately, we should allow former assemblypersons to exit gracefully.
“If they are popular among voters, shouldn’t they be retained?” said Raveentharan, who joined Warisan in November last year, told The Vibes.
He said then, that his reasons for leaving PKR were because the party’s reformist agenda had become stagnant.
Raveentharan was commenting ahead of Penang DAP’s announcement today on its candidate list ahead of the August 12 state polls.
The list is expected to see almost “wholesale change”, with speculations that more than 60% of its 19 elected representatives will be offloaded.
The run-up to the announcement has seen many debate the wisdom of renewing the party with younger blood in the face of tough opposition expected from Perikatan Nasional as well as the economic, social and development challenges for Penang.
Among those speculated to be sidelined are three-term executive councillors such as caretaker deputy chief minister II P. Ramasamy, Chong Eng and Phee Boon Poh.
A few first-term representatives are also likely to be asked to make way for younger blood as part of the party’s process to stay relevant with the changing voter demographic.
Raveentharan said that when candidates are unveiled, they are usually given a boisterous welcome by their respective parties but when they are dropped from contests, they are not even invited to the public announcement of candidates or future party events.
“Some are left in a daze as they had presumed that they did perform, only for the leadership to reject them on reasons they are not even told.”
Some become bitter and join other parties, added Raveentharan, who added that he was “speaking from personal experience”.
While those “sidelined” will move on, he however added that political parties “could do better”.
“For the civil service, there are ‘Jasamu Dikenang’ (appreciation of duties) ceremonies. Perhaps, political entities should likewise conduct such ceremonies to reward those retired.”
Raveentharan also suggested that the senior officers of former incumbents who are not fielded be allowed to continue work in the seat in some form, as they would know the needs of each constituency. He said this is so that the party’s service there can continue effectively and the learning curve for the new incumbent is not too steep.
He also urged parties to ensure the continued welfare of the dropped candidate, since the role of a state assemblyperson is a full-time occupation. When they are dropped from recontesting, it is akin to losing a job.
Any rewards for dropped candidates by their parties should also be transparent, with priority given to their professional skills, seniority and personal needs, Raveentharan added.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke is to unveil the party’s candidates for Penang later today.
Among the new faces touted are current city councillors Connie Tan and Wong Yuee Harng but Penang DAP insiders also pointed out that there is last-minute lobbying ongoing now.
“It is because the proposed changes are extensive. Some quarters disagree and some are pushing for it as part of the need for renewal.
“Some are asking why change a winning line-up for an inexperienced one. So, lobbying is going on,” they said. – The Vibes, July 25, 2023
