Delegates defend Lim over motion to limit CM's term

Penang DAP convention delegates today rose to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's defence following a motion by DAP's Tanjung Bungah rep Teh Yeh Cheu in the state assembly to limit the CM's term to two terms only.

Lim is now serving his second term as chief minister.

DAP whip and Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer said Malaysia practised the Westminister system and not the presidential system like in the United States where the president only serves for two terms at most.

He said the federal constitution also does not limit tenure of prime ministers and chief ministers in Malaysia.

“Secondly, if the CM is clean, efficient and trustworthy, and did not receive any donations in his personal account, did not steal the people’s money, logs or petroleum like in Sarawak, what’s wrong if he continues be the CM,” he added, to applause from the crowd.

Rayer said he was not trying to “jack the boss” (polish apples) by defending Lim as CM, adding that Penang had two pillars of strength in Lim and state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow.

He noted that there were forces outside the party who tried to create conflict between them, expressing hope that none of the members are being influenced by such an agenda.

“I believe Penangites still want Lim to be CM. So, when we win Putrajaya at the next elections, don’t forget Penangites, please continue to be CM,” Rayer said.

Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy said those who wish to propose for a two-term limit for the CM’s post should lobby the issue in Parliament.

“Anyway, the CM is very young, although he feels he is old but since he is clean and effective, why not continue with the post?” he asked.

Chai Leng Park delegate Shamser Singh Thind also sought a resolution that the CM post will only be held by a state DAP chief, and not those from outside the state, to inspire grassroots confidence.

Mosquito parties

This view is shared by the likes of Parti Cinta Malaysia vice-president Huan Cheng Guan who said the CM post should be held by the party Chow. Lim then told Huan to join DAP to raise the matter.

“If ever the party receives his form, please throw it away as he has not principles, he merely wants to create conflict among DAP members,” Satees said.

Nibong Tebal delegate Teoh Seang Hai also condemned several banners displayed by “mosquito parties” who wanted Chow to replace Lim as CM.

“The language in the banners were harsh. Chow must be praised for making a stand that Lim must continue to be CM, and in turn Lim said he fully backed Chow as DAP Penang Chief and senior state exco,” Teoh said.

He then asked that Chow’s post as senior state exco be made official in the state government.

Teh's motion to limi the CM's tenure in a recent state assembly sitting did not obtain any support.

In response, Chow said Teh’s proposal to limit the CM’s post had been brought to the Central Executive Committee, who also noted that the Westminster system imposes not limit.

The PM would step down if he loses his party post or there is a vote of no confidence against him in Parliament, he said.

“Although the CEC has informed Teh about its decision, he still raised it as a motion in the recent state assembly,” Chow said.

“The party remained tolerant with him, so do not accuse us of not giving him space.

“If an idea is accepted by the party, it does not matter who it comes from, it can come also from an ordinary member and become a party policy, however, in this matter, the party has decided no,” Chow said. -Mkini