CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on critics not to dismiss the outcome of the DAP special congress, stressing that the decision to remain in the unity government was made democratically by delegates and should be respected.
Responding to Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) chief Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s remark that DAP delegates were unlikely to support leaving the federal administration because the party was already in power, Chow said the views and mandate of party delegates should not be belittled.
“Ask him to respect DAP and the delegates’ decision. It’s a basic fact, isn’t it?” he told reporters after attending the launch of the Publicity and Public Participation Programme for the Penang Structure Plan 2040 (RSNPP 2040) at Iconic Marjorie Hotel today.
On Rafizi’s remarks that Penang’s limited land size could constrain future revenue growth compared with larger states such as Johor, Chow said the state must work within its geographical constraints by optimising and maximising the use of existing land resources.
He said land-use zoning and planning would focus on generating the highest possible impact for the state’s development while leveraging Penang’s strengths and addressing its limitations.
Chow was also asked to comment on questions raised by certain quarters regarding the turnout at the party congress, which was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) yesterday (Aug 16).
He said the attendance exceeded the party’s quorum requirement and therefore should not be viewed as an issue.
“Our quorum for a successful conference to be held is 25% of qualified delegates. We have more than 50%. We met the quorum requirement,” he said.
Chow noted that participation rates in elections, whether within political parties or during general elections, are rarely 100%.
“Even during a party election, our turnout will be 60% or 70%. Even in a general election, it is 65% to 70%.
“So, do you mean our general election is not valid because only 65% turned out?” he asked.