Outgoing Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow said this year has been very challenging as he appealed for members to stay united and focused, as the ruling party in Penang.

“It is at such times that the party is put to test,” Chow, who is also a state executive councillor, said during his opening speech at the Penang DAP convention today.

He claimed that the party’s political enemies want DAP to fail but asserted their “evil plans” to topple the state government would not succeed.

While Chow did not mention names, one issue he might have been addressing was Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu who has been a thorn in the flesh of DAP but has been told to toe the line.

At the recent state assembly sitting, Teh voted to support an Umno motion on land reclamation to his party's annoyance. However he apologised for his ‘mistake’ later, and quit his post as party organising secretary.

“We accept different views in the party but no one person can force his views on the party unless it is acceptable by all and is in line with the party’s struggles and principles.

“For example, if one proposes the implementation of local government elections, we think it is a good idea and will pursue it but if anyone suggests that we implement hudud, I do not think this will be accepted.

“We respect the views of the minority but the minority should also respect the views of the majority.,” he explained.

'Pillar of strength'

He asserted that despite the incident in the recent state assembly where five PKR reps abstained from voting down the reclamation motion, DAP remains a “pillar of strength”.

He said the episode has made the DAP more determined to rule the state government to face challenges of the “state opposition or the opposition within us”.

He added that despite all the challenges, DAP’s membership in the state has been growing, and new branches are being officiated, the latest being in a Malay majority area in Kepala Batas.

Chow noted that the state opposition (BN) is trying to make a comeback by highlighting issues like the lack of foreign direct investment, housing, illegal hill clearing, traffic congestion, sea reclamation and environment.

“The party and state government must face these challenges as a united team and I believe we can answer all the allegations, and the elected representatives must play this role together with the party,” he said.

He praised the leadership of Lim, saying that under his watch, the Penang government has been able to deliver “sterling” performances to the people.

Lim, the DAP's secretary-general, was among the delegates at the event, which started at 10am today.

“Despite being poked by certain quarters, Lim still remains our top leader, “ he said to applause from the crowd.

“However, the party must be vigilant against attempts by the federal government and BN to stifle growth in Penang. It won’t be easy but we all need to work as a team to deliver results,” he said.

Chow also touched on Pakatan Harapan, which was launched in Penang on Sept, and urged all its partners - in PKR and Parti Amanah Negara - to work together to defeat BN.

He also reaffirmed that DAP can no longer cooperate with PAS because of its divergent views.

Chow and his fellow state committee members will be defending their seats at the DAP internal state polls today. 48 members are vying for 15 posts, while five others will be co-opted to make a 20 member committee.

The outcome of the polls will be announced later today.