GEORGE TOWN: Being left behind when it comes to using social media to reach supporters may be one of their weaknesses, says Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
"We found that this time, we faced strong opposition during the state elections, and they managed to win 11 seats.
"This is not something we can take lightly," he said in his speech during the DAP state convention 2023 held at Komtar here on Sunday (Nov 19).
Chow said this is the first time they (Pakatan Harapan) have only won 29 of the 40 seats in the state legislative assembly.
"While we must focus on our strengths, we must address our weaknesses.
"This ensures we have the right strategies to face this new challenge.
"One reason we could not maintain the seats we used to win in previous state elections is that there is lesser support from Malay voters in Malay majority areas," he said.
Chow said the opposition's use of social media in the state might have been better than Pakatan's.
"DAP managed to maintain the 19 seats we contested in (August 2023), the same as we have done since 2008.
"This is the fourth term running the state, and this time around, there is a new scenario.
"Pakatan has now joined forces with Barisan Nasional and other parties who agreed to form the Unity Government.
"The state government is also now a Unity State Government.
"We need to work together not only with our umbrella parties but also with those from Barisan, as we face strong opposition," he said.
Meanwhile, DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng said Penang has five aspirations this term, including a growing economy with good business opportunities and progressive pay.
He said that good education and training must be provided for the state's children, as well as good healthcare.
"It needs to be a state that is clean, healthy and safe.
"We need a future where there is digital accessibility, which is inexpensive," he said.
Lim said there needs to be stable politics and a state government that is efficient and transparent.
