PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on Democratic Action Party (DAP) leaders, members and supporters to remain united as the party braces for what he described as one of the greatest political challenges in its 60-year history.
Speaking at a dinner marking DAP’s 60th anniversary and the Tanjong@40 commemoration, Chow said the party’s journey from the opposition to becoming part of both the Penang state government and the Federal Government had been marked by perseverance through numerous obstacles and sacrifices.
He said while the party could take pride in its achievements over the past six decades, it must also confront a rapidly changing political landscape that poses serious challenges to its future.
“The challenges have not diminished because we are now in government. On the contrary, being in government means the challenges before us are even greater,” he said.
Chow pointed to recent political developments, including Pakatan Harapan’s electoral setbacks in the Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, as well as the growing cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), which he said had reshaped the country’s political landscape.
He warned that the emergence of the new political alignment posed a challenge to Pakatan Harapan’s survival, responsibilities and confidence ahead of the 16th General Election.
“We must never underestimate the challenge brought about by the cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional,” he said.
Referring to statements by PAS leaders predicting the downfall of the Pakatan Harapan government in the next general election, including in Penang, Chow said the party must take such developments seriously.
“PAS leaders have openly declared that the Pakatan Harapan government has entered its final phase and that, when the next general election arrives, our government will fall. They have even predicted that Pakatan Harapan will lose control of Penang.
“Tonight, therefore, our leaders, our party veterans and every party member must remember the seriousness of this challenge. I hope everyone will give their full support to both the central and state leadership as they closely monitor these political changes,” he said.
Chow said unity within the party would be crucial to ensuring DAP could continue its struggle not only as a political movement but also as a governing party at both the state and federal levels.
He said the celebration of DAP’s 60th anniversary and Tanjong’s 40th anniversary would be truly meaningful if the party maintained its fighting spirit and solidarity in facing the next general election.
Reflecting on the party’s early years, Chow said DAP had endured numerous trials while in the opposition, including the detention of its leaders under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), defections by elected representatives and Operation Lalang.
“Today, although we form the state governments in Penang and Selangor, are partners in the unity governments in Perak and Pahang, and play a leading role in the Federal Unity Government, the challenges have become even more serious. The latest political developments may ultimately threaten the survival of the Pakatan Harapan government in the coming general election.
“Therefore, we must never underestimate the challenge posed by the cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional,” he cautioned.
Chow also expressed his appreciation to Penang DAP secretary and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying and the DAP Tanjong team for organising the anniversary celebrations.
In her speech, Lim called on party members to remain grounded and continue earning the people’s trust through integrity, humility and service, saying DAP’s 60-year journey and Tanjong’s four decades alongside the party were built not on luck, but on the unwavering commitment of generations of members and supporters.
She said the commemorations were not merely about reflecting on history but also about renewing the party’s commitment to its founding ideals and the responsibilities that lie ahead.
Describing Tanjong as more than just a parliamentary constituency, Lim said it had become a symbol of the people’s pursuit of democracy, justice and clean governance since Lim Kit Siang’s historic victory there in 1986.
“History is not meant to be remembered only. History is meant to guide us as we move forward,” said Lim, who is also the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
Recalling DAP’s setbacks in the 1999 General Election, Lim said the people of Tanjong stood firmly with the party during one of its darkest chapters, demonstrating that genuine support is measured not during times of success but in moments of adversity.
“The lessons of 1986 and 1999 remain timeless. Success should never make us complacent, and setbacks should never make us lose hope. What truly matters is whether we continue to stand by our principles and remain worthy of the people’s trust,” she said.
Lim stressed that public trust could never be taken for granted and had to be earned repeatedly through action rather than rhetoric.
“Trust is never permanent. It must be earned again and again — not through slogans or promises alone, but through integrity, humility and sincere service,” she said, adding that leadership was about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives rather than simply holding office.
Other speakers, including DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Penang DAP chairman and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, Penang DAP deputy chairman and Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, and former Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, also paid tribute to generations of party pioneers, veterans, elected representatives, members and supporters whose sacrifices had enabled DAP to grow from an opposition party into one that now serves in government.
They stressed that DAP must continue to uphold the principles that had guided the party over the past six decades, remaining committed to integrity, humility and competence despite its electoral achievements and role in government.
The celebration also saw several pioneering party members receive certificates of appreciation for their long service and contributions to DAP.