Top brass: (From left) Chow, Sim and Lim.
Chow’s fate hangs in the balance as Penang DAP convention draws closer
GEORGE TOWN: Chow Kon Yeow has fought many battles in his illustrious political career spanning nearly 40 years.
He won some and lost some – all part and parcel of the political game.
However, within the realm of state party elections, Chow’s record is spotless. Since 1999, he has been at the helm of Penang DAP with unwavering consistency.
As he embarks on his second and final term as Penang’s chief executive, he faces a pivotal challenge: the upcoming state convention could shape his fate in the party.
The Penang DAP convention, scheduled for Sept 22 at the Spice Arena, will determine whether Chow remains at the helm or if a new leader will guide the party into the 16th General Election.
There are 296 DAP branches in Penang, including 117 on the mainland, with each branch entitled to send seven delegates to the convention: the chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, publicity secretary and the women affairs secretary.
Additionally, all MPs, state assemblymen and incumbent state committee members are eligible to attend as delegates.
To run for a position, candidates must secure nominations from at least two branches.
Assuming there are no unforeseen obstacles, Chow is likely to secure a spot on the 15-member state committee.
The real battle will be the second round of voting, where the elected committee members will select, from among themselves, people to fill the leadership positions.
It is in this crucial phase that the stakes are highest and where the battle lines are drawn.
Speculation is rife about potential challengers, with Penang DAP vice-chairman Steven Sim and secretary Lim Hui Ying reportedly in the running.
Both are prominent figures: Sim serves as the Human Resources Minister while Lim is the Deputy Finance Minister.
When met at an event in Bukit Mertajam on Friday, Sim indicated that he would let the process unfold naturally, deferring to the delegates’ decisions.
Sim, who came in seventh in the last state party elections in 2021, was appointed the state’s organising secretary and later replaced Jagdeep Singh Deo as a vice-chairman. Jagdeep took over the state’s deputy chairman post from Dr P. Ramasamy after the latter quit the party last year.
Jagdeep, who is also Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, recently resumed his duties after a period of ill health.
When contacted, he said he would leave it to the delegates but added: “I am ready to serve.”
A senior party leader, who declined to be named, admitted uncertainty about his candidacy due to ongoing health issues.
“I’ve been unwell since Aug 1 and am recovering but I still need to go for follow-ups at the hospital,” he said.
Elected leaders, he said, must be able to create unity and strengthen the party.
“The future of the party is at a crossroads; I hope the delegates will vote wisely,” said the leader, who is one of the state committee members.
Another party veteran, who also wished to remain anonymous, praised Chow’s dedication to Penang DAP, recalling his crucial role during the “Knock Out Kit Siang” strife of the late 1990s.
“The party was at its lowest ebb then. As a party loyalist, Chow demonstrated a profound sense of duty and allegiance to his political party.
“His approach to party loyalty is marked by respect for his colleagues and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment.
“He navigates party politics with integrity, avoiding underhanded tactics and focusing instead on transparent, principled advocacy,” he said.
A party insider also noted the effective partnership between Chow and party chairman Lim Guan Eng when the party was swept into power in 2008.
“The party was strong during that period between 2008 and 2018. Guan Eng is vocal and his high-handedness on issues, coupled with the launch of a slew of developments, really breathed fresh air into the state.
“Chow also diligently carried out his portfolio as the committee chairman of local government.
“It is bad optics if Chow is unable to carry on as the state DAP chairman while serving as Chief Minister.
“Do not rock the boat and make a mockery of ourselves,” he warned.
With nominations closing on Aug 23 and nearly 2,100 delegates eligible to vote, the outcome remains uncertain.
Although Chow’s chief ministerial post will not be affected by the election results, it remains to be seen whether Penang DAP is on the brink of a new era under new leadership or if Chow will get a fitting ending to his splendid political run.
