The Penang DAP convention in conjunction with its 50th anniversary kicked off with delegates displaying the most controversial placards ‘Where is the RM2.6 billion?’.

This follows the PKR national convention in Kuala Lumpur yesterday which also saw delegates holding up placards questioning Prime Minister Najib Razak about the mysterious donation which was deposited into his private bank accounts before the 2013 national polls.

Outgoing state committee chairperson Chow Kon Yeow officiated the DAP event at the Hotel Equatorial by releasing a bunch of multi-coloured balloons. Also present was DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

1,076 delegates will vote from among 48 candidates to fill 15 spots in the state committee in this convention. Five more will be co-opted to make it 20.

On a national level, the DAP faces challenges in making its party appear more multiracial and outside focus is constantly trained on whether the party’s Malay or Indian candidates make it into the state committees.

In Penang, the DAP leadership is being challenged to keep its members in line with the recent fiasco over Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu having voted for an Umno motion on reclamation, only to apologise for his mistake later.

Teh, the former state organising secretary, quit his post after the brouhaha but has pledged loyalty to DAP.

However, his supporters were unsatisfied and have been staging shows of solidarity for their ‘hero’.

Speculation that a protest would be held in support of Teh however has proven to be unfounded. However rumours are still circulating that a rally would be held at 11.30am.