ALL elected representatives from political parties within the Unity Government must continue to demonstrate strong performance to ensure sustained public support.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the former Penang DAP chairman, said he is proud to note that none of the elected representatives under Pakatan Harapan and the Unity Government coalition in the state is underperforming.
“I believe that after 18 years of governing Penang, there are no lazy elected representatives and no idle local councillors. Everyone is working hard to serve the people.
“This is something we should be proud of, because it is for this reason that I say the people will continue to support us and elect us as their representatives.
“When we have sufficient numbers, we can form the state and the federal governments,” Chow said in his speech during the Bukit Gelugor Chinese New Year Open House at SJK (C) Sin Kang in Air Itam this evening.
Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and veteran politician Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang.
Chow also reminded all politicians, particularly party leaders within DAP and the Unity Government, to consistently set a good example.
“We know that at the federal level, we have been the government for more than three years. Yet during this period, we continue to hear criticisms against the Unity Government, including Pakatan Harapan and DAP, claiming that we have failed to fulfil our promises.
“That is not accurate. In fact, over the past three years, we have seen many improvements.
“On Monday next week, all Members of Parliament will be in Parliament to debate two constitutional amendment Bills. The first seeks to separate the powers of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. This is an important institutional reform that has long been demanded by civil society, which we promised and are now delivering.
“Second, we will table a constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to only 10 years. That was also a pledge in our manifesto, and we are fulfilling it.
“We are mindful of what we have promised, and step by step, where appropriate, we are delivering on these commitments,” he explained.
Chow expressed hope that the people would evaluate the Unity Government based on its achievements and performance, rather than unsubstantiated criticisms particularly those circulating on social media and among influencers which can easily tarnish the reputation of government leaders with various allegations.
“At the same time, I also call on all DAP leaders and members to appreciate the support from the people, to set a good example, to uphold the spirit of unity within the party, and to honour the sacrifices of party veterans who have contributed their time, energy and resources to build DAP into what it is today,” he said.