DAP national secretary general Lim Guan Eng threw a challenge to delegates at the party's Penang convention today: would they be celebrating the next meeting in Komtar or meet elsewhere defeated and miserable?

lim guan eng Lim warned the 440 delegates present at the event that there was no time to lose if Penang DAP was to maintain the hard-earned gains of democracy, freedom and dignity since it took over the state in the 2008 general election.

"Two years from now, the next DAP Penang state ordinary convention will either be celebrated in here again with Pakatan Rakyat winning a second term; or meet in some other place both defeated and miserable as a one term wonder," he cautioned.

"Whether we succeed or fail will be determined by decisions made by all of you," he added.

Lim asked if Pakatan can stand together, united by hard work, commitment to each other and loyalty to ideals to make a difference to Penang.

He added that the next general election will decide whether democracy can survive, a people's government can function and integrity in government exist.

"Are we really factionalised (as mentioned in recent news reports)? This is the time to prove that we are united and ready for the 13th general elections," he roared, while the members clapped zestfully.

"As difficult it is to capture the federal government, it is harder still to maintain our rule; so we should stand united as Pakatan Rakyat," he added.

A total of 440 delegates out of 694 and 73 observers were present at the convention, which is expected to be exciting as a tight contest between 88 candidates vying for 15 positions in the party is expected.

 New members

Many are reportedly new members who joined the DAP after it took over leadership in Penang in March 2008.

The state committee is headed by Tanjong Member of Parliament Chow Kon Yeow.

NONE Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, has opted not to contest, alongside DAP national chairman Karpal Singh ( right ), Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi, Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, state executive councillor Lydia Ong Kok Fooi and Jawi assemblyperson Tan Beng Huat.

The voting process is scheduled to start at noon and end at 2pm, while the result is expected to be ready by 5pm.

This will be followed by an extraordinary general meeting for the 15 elected candidates to form the new state line-up.

Meanwhile, Lim conceded that DAP cannot move alone if it wants to capture Putrajaya in the coming general elections.

At the party's state convention in Komtar today, Lim said the party needed to work cohesively in concert with PAS and PKR as the Pakatan Rakyat coalition needed to move forward as one.

"Despite our differences, Pakatan offers the best hope to realise the aspirations for all because we are moderate and inclusive as against our exclusive, racist, extremist opponents," he added.

Lim said there were many in the party - past and present party leaders and members - who sacrificed themselves for their dreams so others may live theirs.

"They should be honoured by everyone working together so that dreams of a country that is intelligent, clean, upholds the rule of law and basic human rights, offer equal opportunity for all and respects human dignity that everyone is a Malaysian first and last, comes true," he said.

"For those who want to see the DAP split, let all of us today show unity and team spirit to disappoint the BN national press, crush BN's fantasy of an upset victory in Penang and give fresh hope to the people," he added.

"Let us lead Penang's future with moderation not extremism; rule of law not personal whims and fancies; as well as a government trusted by the people".