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GEORGE TOWN – DAP Central Executive Committee member Chow Kon Yeow has called on former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli to respect the party delegates' decision to remain in the Federal Government.
Chow said Rafizi's remarks about DAP's continued participation in the unity government should not undermine the decision made by the party's delegates.
“Ask him to respect DAP and the decision made by the delegates.
“That is a basic matter, isn't it?” he said at a press conference after officiating the Publicity and Public Participation Programme for the Draft RSN 2040 (Review) here on Monday.
Rafizi, who is also president of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), had earlier said DAP's decision to remain in the unity government was expected, arguing that it would be difficult for a political party that had already 'enjoyed' power to relinquish it.
He also pointed out that DAP currently had representatives in various positions, including ministers, deputy ministers, chief ministers, state executive councillors, elected representatives and local authority councillors.
On Rafizi's comments that Penang's limited land area could constrain its revenue potential compared with larger states such as Johor, Chow said the state government had strategies to maximise the use of its existing land.
“Always in the process of acquiring land, opening up land for industry and various uses, not just industry alone. Reclassifying rural areas as urban areas is also one method of rezoning land use in Penang.
“Optimise and maximise the existing land for uses that bring the highest impact to the state's development.
“We need to work within the constraints faced by the state government. We have advantages, we have shortcomings, so we need to plan according to our strengths and shortcomings,” he said.
He said Seberang Perai still had considerable development potential because land remained available for future projects.
Chow said this would help support Penang's development plans through 2040.
He also dismissed concerns over the reportedly low attendance at the DAP Congress on Sunday, saying the turnout had met the required quorum for the conference to proceed legally.
“The quorum set to ensure that the conference can be conducted validly is 25 per cent of the total number of eligible delegates. So, we had more than 50 delegates and fulfilled the quorum requirement.
“Even in party elections, our attendance is usually around 60 to 70 per cent. In general elections, voter turnout is also around 65 to 70 per cent.
“So, does that mean our general elections are invalid just because the turnout is only 65 per cent? No, right? That is normal,” he said.
