A DAP branch in Penang has passed a resolution welcoming party secretary-general Loke Siew Fook to contest in the state during the next general election.
The Kampong Kolam branch, during its annual general meeting yesterday, stated that the Seremban member of parliament could strengthen the party’s electoral prospects in Penang.
The branch believes his presence would help lead and propel the state toward greater development.
The resolution was proposed by the newly elected branch chairman Ng Wei Aik, who is a former Tanjong member of parliament, and seconded by branch secretary Khoo Yeong Ming. The motion was passed unanimously by the members present.
Addressing internal challenges
In a statement, Ng Wei Aik noted that Penang has long served as a frontline state for DAP. He emphasized that the party has maintained its ambition to keep Penang as a stronghold despite various past setbacks.
However, Ng pointed out that the Penang DAP leadership is currently facing significant challenges. He cited inconsistent leadership standards, factional infighting, and the emergence of money-driven political campaigning as primary concerns.
According to Ng, these internal issues make it necessary to invite the secretary-general to lead the state chapter.
He argued that Loke Siew Fook’s leadership would help fortify the party’s electoral position and drive the state’s progress forward.
The Kampong Kolam branch is believed to be the first within the state to openly extend such an invitation to the party’s top leader.
Resolutions on seat allocation and tenure
Beyond the leadership invitation, the branch passed several other significant resolutions. One motion urged the party leadership to consider contesting at least 21 state seats in Penang at the next election, an increase from the 19 seats contested in 2023.
The branch also called for candidates with a Tanjong background to be given priority for parliamentary and state seats in that area.
The resolution argued that such candidates possess a better understanding of local culture, community sentiment, and grassroots requirements.
In a move toward institutional reform, a final resolution proposed limiting party members to no more than three consecutive terms in elected office.
This proposal is aimed at upholding the principles of leadership renewal and political regeneration.
During the meeting, Ng Wei Aik returned to the position of branch chairman unopposed. He took over from incumbent Yeoh Kok Thye, who stepped aside and nominated him for the post.
Ng previously led the branch but vacated the position after being elected as the Komtar assemblyman in 2008 to nurture new leaders.
After a three-year absence from the branch committee, the former one-term Tanjong member of parliament has now returned to a leadership role.
