Fresh DAP candidates likely for Penang
Speculations are rife that several incumbents in Penang may move to give way to the party’s ‘young and capable talents’.
Hawkeye, FMT
Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong is expected to be part of an anticipated reshuffle in DAP’s list of candidates for the coming general election.
Barring last minute changes, which is common in any party’s line-up, Liew, 36, is expected to relocate to Johor, a state declared as a frontline battleground by Pakatan Rakyat.
It is learnt that the academically-inclined politician had revealed to his inner circle in Penang that he was willing to relocate to Johor to help PKR strongman Chua Jui Meng to penetrate Barisan Nasional’s fortress there as well as to help boost the morale of the opposition’s alliance.
If true, Liew will be the second Pakatan leader to relocate to Johor after PAS vice-president Sallehuddin Ayub. Sallehuddin had earlier reportedly declared that he would move from his Kubang Kerian parliament seat in Kelantan to his birth-state in Johor.
Liew however has reportedly urged the public not to read too much into the speculation.
When asked, he reportedly said: “Nothing is confirmed. There’s no point for us to go into the discussion (of me contesting in Johor).”
Liew’s move is expected to spark speculations of similar moves by other DAP leaders in Penang.
Among them, are Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
Other assemblymen likely to move are Koay Teng Hai (Pulau Tikus), Koid Teng Guan (Sungai Pinang), Tan Beng Huat (Jawi), Phee Boon Poh, Paya Terubong (Sungai Puyu), Yeoh Soon Hin (Paya Terubung) and Lau Keng Ee (Pengakalan Kota).
Ramasamy and Chow are put in a spot due to the insistence of DAP chairman Karpal Singh that all DAP candidates should only contest in one seat as the party is now brimming with young and capable talent.
Karpal’s assertion, was confirmed by a state DAP insider here, who preferred not to be named.
The insider claimed that besides the 45 party incumbents in Penang, there are some 30 other aspiring candidates, who are also keen to contest in the 13th general election. DAP has become a brand name here.
Ramasamy and Chow hold one parliament and one state seat each.
Both had earlier said they were fine with contesting one seat.
Their willingness sparked speculations that both Ramasamy and Chow may only retain their state seats since DAP was aiming to consolidate its clout in Penang.
