BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 9 — The Penang DAP has been reminded not to be complacent but to begin early preparations to face the possibility that the 16th general election (GE16) and state elections are called simultaneously.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said next year is expected to be a critical period as the legislative assemblies of several states, such as Johor, Melaka and Sarawak would reach the end of their terms.
“If the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) decides to hold GE16 simultaneously with the states, Parliament might need to be dissolved early.
“I didn’t say it will happen, but my duty is to remind the Penang leadership to be prepared to face any possibility, even though the state’s term is still long,” he said when officiating the Penang DAP annual convention attended by 696 delegates here today.
He explained that unlike the previous general election when Pakatan Harapan-led states held elections separately, the situation has changed as the federal and state governments were under the same administration, thus requiring a more coordinated political strategy.
Loke also stressed that unity and party discipline remained vital to maintaining public trust towards DAP in Penang.
“We are in a comfortable situation with a good record of administration, but don’t be complacent.
“Voters hate it the most if the party is not united. Penang DAP’s strength relies on unity,” he added.
He also urged all party members to respect last year’s party elections and to support Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim, who replaced Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow after he chose not to contest.
The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan National pact won 29 out of 40 seats contested in the Penang state election in 2023. — Bernama