The DAP is making preparations for the coming general election and has formed an election campaign committee, said party Penang chief Chow Kon Yeow.

He said DAP state secretary Lim Hui Ying will head the committee.

The deadline for the 14th general election is July 2018, however there has been widespread talk of snap elections.

"Special attention is being given to beef up the social media machinery within the party and our party representatives in government," Chow said in his speech at the party's 50th convention in Penang today.

"The party has approved more resources into this department in view of its importance in reaching the people," said the Penang executive councillor.

Chow said recently, the party has embarked on a special programme called 'Listening Tours' for party leaders, assemblypersons and MPs to visit the constituencies.

The programme is to hear out the people and mobilise resources to help them overcome their problems.

Chow said over this period, the party has been able to sustain its operations and programmes and improve human resources at the headquarters because of its financial ability.

"We have ensured that our headquarters will be able to support the party's campaign in the next general election," said Chow, who is Padang Kota assemblyperson.

'Most difficult GE'

Chow said party organising works in galvanising grassroots and branch support are being done.

Most of the branches are active and are able to comply with the party's organisation procedures, Chow assured.

He said the DAP Youth, Women and veterans have their separate programmes and activities.

"However they are all in line with the party's vision and mission for Malaysia and Penang," Chow said.

"The country is expected to undergo great challenges in view of the various unresolved national issues," he added.

Chow said the next general election promises to be most difficult.

As DAP celebrates its 50 years of struggle, Chow urged party members to look forward and strive even harder to realise its political vision of a fair and just Malaysia for all Malaysians.

"In Penang, we have the opportunity as the state government to help fulfill this vision. Let's continue the fight," he said.