YOURSAY | Let Penang folk decide if DAP has failed them

YOURSAY | Penang DAP does not need expert advice to solve internal problems.

COMMENT | Perhaps both Guan Eng and Chow should step aside

AntiRacial: The DAP's final list of candidates for the Penang state election elicited widespread reactions. The concerns broadly fall into two categories.

The first group comprises those who were not selected as candidates.

Their main contention revolves around two issues: why they were omitted and why they weren't informed of this decision before the public announcement.

While it would have been considerate for the party to inform them before the announcement, we must acknowledge that there could be valid reasons for the decision and the manner it was delivered.

It raises the question - would these individuals have accepted the decision more graciously had they been informed in advance? It's unlikely.

An additional point of contention is why, if the intent was to introduce fresh, young faces, certain veteran leaders like DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng remained on the list. The rationale is simple: transitions of power and responsibility should be gradual.

The presence of experienced leaders like Lim ensures guidance for the younger generation.

As for the concerns about the exclusion of supposedly dedicated young leaders like incumbent Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Satees Muniandy and former DAP member David Marshel, it's worth noting that I wasn't familiar with these names until the controversy arose.

Whether they are truly dedicated and aligned with the DAP's mission is not for me to say. Nonetheless, there could be internal reasons for their omission, which might remain confidential within the party.

The second category is more problematic, consisting of external entities attempting to capitalise on the situation.

These individuals or groups seek to sow discord within the party. What's more concerning is that some of these outsiders are providing platforms to the aggrieved parties, potentially exacerbating the situation.

BlueShark1548: Columnist Francis Paul Siah knows nothing about Penang politics. Caretaker chief minister Chow Kon Yeow is not the cause of any division in DAP Penang.

Why should he step down after one term when he still has unfinished work in Penang? Lim has had his two terms and is now facing corruption charges.

The Lim family has got another Lim into the political structure of Penang.

The Lims are not from Penang but they have built a foundation here and created factions to ensure the continuation of their dynasty.

DAP appears to be the personal asset of some families.

Chow should be allowed to complete his term and fulfil Pakatan Harapan's promises to Penangites.

Multi Racial: Frankly, more appropriate advice is for Lim to decline the Air Putih state seat nomination and allow Chow to lead one more term. Perhaps next term we hope to see a new face taking the lead.

I do not blame DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke - he has to deal with a situation no politician likes to be in.

Well, in the end, Chow remained the choice for the chief minister and some candidates who were dropped claimed to have supported Chow.

Having seen how some of those dropped candidates reacted, it is a relief they did not make the list.

They are certainly not team players. Almost immediately quitting and washing dirty linen in public don't go well with people with high-quality leadership and team players.

Meritocracy Not race: I still cannot understand why these "experts" continue to spill vitriol against the DAP leadership.

Let the people of Penang decide if DAP has failed them.

After that, it is entirely up to the leaders to do what they think is necessary. By all means, criticise all you want, but only after the election results to prove that they have made mistakes.

TTSH: Agree. Strange that people like Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing and Francis should poke their noses into another state's affairs, and pass comments from afar.

I, for one, wouldn't dare comment on Sarawak as I know nothing about that territory except what I have read in the media.

All the hype in the media and much ado over nothing. It is all hearsay - "he says" "we say" "they say" and "you say".

The public is not interested in the party's internal politics. They are grown-ups. Let them sort it out amongst themselves.

Be it Lim or Chow, they have both done a good job. When everything quietens down, whoever is nominated chief minister will be expected to carry out his duties to the best of his ability.

That is all the public asks for. Penang folk will go on with their daily lives.

BobbyO: First of all, what is happening in Penang is the work of political manoeuvring.

If you join politics, then be prepared to serve the more powerful leader.

Look at PAS. Even late PAS spiritual adviser Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s son Nik Abduh is also treated in the same manner.

It has recently happened in Umno as only the back door president's men have been promoted or allowed to stand in the state elections.

Is the politics in Sarawak different? Try speaking out against Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg.

So let DAP and the voters in Penang decide whether they agree with such a political culture, or if they prefer leaders who should have ethics and are more honest.

One wonders whether such virtues exist within the circle of any political leaders.

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