DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has reminded Penang DAP not to rest on its laurels and to start preparations early in case the 16th general election (GE16) and state polls are held simultaneously.
He said next year could be a critical one as the legislative assemblies of Johor, Melaka and Sarawak approach the end of their terms.
“If the prime minister (Anwar Ibrahim) decides to hold GE16 simultaneously with the state elections, Parliament might have to be dissolved early.
“I’m not saying it will happen, but my responsibility is to remind Penang’s leadership to be ready for any possibility,” he told 696 delegates at the Penang DAP annual convention.
Loke said unlike in the previous general election, where Pakatan Harapan-led states held polls separately, both the federal and state governments are now under the same administration, requiring better coordination.
He stressed that unity and discipline remain vital to maintaining public confidence in DAP’s leadership.
“We are in a comfortable position with a good administrative record, but we must not be complacent. Voters dislike it when a party is disunited. Penang DAP’s strength lies in its unity,” he said.
Loke also urged members to respect last year’s party election results and to support Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim, who succeeded Chow Kon Yeow after he opted not to contest.
The Pakatan Harapan–Barisan Nasional coalition won 29 of 40 seats in the Penang state election in 2023.
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