DAP wants feedback from grassroots members, supporters ahead of special congress, says Chow

 

BUTTERWORTH: Penangites, including DAP grassroots members and supporters, have been urged to express their feedback to the party to express their views, comments and criticisms ahead of the party's special congress in July.

The gathered responses from various channels, which may include emails and letters, will then be considered by delegates during the congress on July 12, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also a DAP central executive committee (CEC) member.

Chow said the party leadership hopes to hear directly from members, supporters and the public, and the feedback would be important in guiding delegates during deliberations at the special congress which has been called to decide whether DAP leaders should relinquish all government positions while continuing to provide parliamentary support to the unity government.

“I have 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 their voices will also be considered by the DAP special congress taking place in July,” he said during his speech at the Penang DAP Chinese New Year open house at SJKC Kwang Hwa here on Sunday (Feb 22).

Chow added that the congress would be an important and historic event, and urged party members in the state to treat the matter seriously.

“The issue we need to address is indeed a very serious one.

“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.

State publisher Buletin Mutiara also reported Chow as saying that the exercise is a valuable opportunity for supporters who were not party members, as their voices remained important.

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.

Sim, who is Penang DAP chairman and a CEC member, said the state party would remain focused on three core priorities.

“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,” he said.

Sim said party members, especially elected representatives, had been diligent in serving the people, but urged them to remain steadfast.

“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. - Star