PENANG DAP leaders and members have been urged to go to the ground to meet grassroots members, voters and the public to gather views, comments and criticisms ahead of the party’s special congress in July.
Previously, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke announced that the party will convene a special congress on July 12 to decide whether its leaders should relinquish all government positions, while continuing to provide parliamentary support to the unity government.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the former Penang DAP chairman, said all feedback collected will be used during deliberations at the special congress.
“This congress is seen as an important and historic event, so all DAP members in the state are urged to treat it seriously.
“The issue we need to address is indeed a very serious one. The Penang DAP leadership is treating it with utmost importance, and we are leaving it to the people to share their views.
“This congress is not merely about listening to DAP members’ opinions, but also about engaging the public and supporters through our members and party leaders on the ground.
“They will gather the people’s views on reviewing DAP’s position within the unity government, both at the federal level and in the states where DAP is part of the administration,” he said during his speech at the Penang DAP Chinese New Year Open House at SJK(C) Kwang Hwa, Butterworth this evening.
Also present were DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim Chee Keong, deputy chairman Ramkarpal Singh, vice-chairmen Yeoh Soon Hin and Zairil Khir Johari, secretary Lim Hui Ying, and committee members RSN Rayer, Phee Syn Tze, Ooi Yon Woi, Teh Chuann Yen and Foo Yu Keong.
According to Chow, the exercise also presents a valuable opportunity for DAP supporters, even those who are not party members as their voices remain important.
“I have also instructed that members of the public and DAP supporters who wish to share their views on the issues to be discussed at the special congress may do so through DAP members on the ground or via social media.
“They may also send emails or letters to Penang DAP or DAP Malaysia, or reach out to our branches and elected representatives.
“This is to ensure your voices will also be considered by the DAP special congress taking place in July,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sim said Penang DAP will continue to monitor and focus on three core priorities in the state.
“First, we must ensure Penang remains ahead economically.
“Second, we must preserve Penang’s identity as a plural society of diverse races and religions, and we must not allow any party particularly extremists to undermine and destroy this social fabric.
“Third, DAP members, whether elected representatives or ordinary members, must continue to double their efforts in safeguarding the welfare of the people in Penang.
“Therefore, Penang DAP will keep its focus on these three fundamentals.
“I have observed that our members, especially our elected representatives, have been very diligent in delivering the best service to the people of this state.
“But let me say this, this is your final lap before the next general election.
“So double your efforts to ensure DAP remains the party of choice for the people of Penang and Malaysia,” he said.