Faction in DAP wants Chow as next chairman

 

The name of DAP vice-chairman Chow Kon Yeow is being advanced as a candidate to take over as party chairman from Lim Guan Eng.

PETALING JAYA: 

A push by certain factions in DAP for Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow to take over as the party’s next chairman, replacing Lim Guan Eng, is gaining momentum, according to an insider.

Chow, who last month confirmed he would be contesting for a seat on the central executive committee, is the party’s current vice-chairman.

A DAP leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Chow had the backing of several top leaders for the position.

There was a need for the chairman to be able to work with Loke, the source added.

“Chow fits the bill and I think he doesn’t mind taking over the role in view of his fractured relationship with Lim,” the source told FMT.

Speculation of a rift between Lim and Chow cropped up again recently after a news report claimed Chow had planned a trip to Japan to avoid attending a dinner viewed as an event to rally support for Lim ahead of party elections on March 16.

Chow subsequently rubbished the claim.

The source said Chow is seen as a neutral figure with strong support in Penang, where the party holds significant influence.

“He isn’t hot-headed and is easy to work with.”

Rumours of Chow’s name being advanced to replace Lim as chairman lends support to claims of a “concerted push” to oust Lim from his leadership position in DAP.

According to a party insider, the sentiment against Lim, a former two-term Penang chief minister, has been building for years, with members particularly frustrated by his open rebuke of incumbent Chow.

The Bagan MP is also viewed as a “growing liability”, according to the insider. - FMT