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GEORGE TOWN – DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke hopes incumbents not renominated to defend their seats in the upcoming state elections will accept the party’s decision and make way for new faces to contest.
Loke said in Penang, DAP has been governing for three terms, and therefore, there is a need to introduce new candidates as part of the party’s transition plan for the future.
“I hope once we finalise our candidates’ list, everyone will accept it, including incumbents who will not return. Some incumbents will not be renominated.
“This is not a question of dropping them, but a question of renewal, with young blood in the lineup,” he told reporters after attending Penang DAP’s fundraising dinner here last night.
Also present were DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Loke, who is also transport minister, said Penang DAP is expected to give its proposed candidate list in a few days, which would then be deliberated and decided by a five-man committee that includes him.
The Penang state assembly has 40 seats, and prior to its dissolution late last month, DAP held 19, winning every seat it contested between 2013 and 2018.
When asked about their plans to capture Malay votes, Loke said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been focusing on this with his recent work visits to Kedah and Penang.
“In the next few weeks, he will spend more time touching base with the Malay community.
“A lot of assurance needs to be given to the Malay community that they are not losing anything just because DAP is in this coalition.
“The unity government’s aim and spirit remains to govern this country in a stable and peaceful manner so that Malaysia can be developed and the people can live prosperous lives,” he added. – Bernama, July 17, 2023