The People’s Alternative Party (PAP), an entity formed by disgruntled DAP members, pledged today that Penangites can be ensured of a Chinese chief minister if the party seizes power in the state in the coming general election (GE14).

PAP national president Zulkifli Mohd Noor said Penang needs a new CM and if changes take place, the people of the state are guaranteed an ethnic Chinese one.

This is in keeping with the tradition in Penang, where the CM, since Independence, has always been a Chinese Malaysian.

"Although the CM is Chinese, the Malays and Indians will have a place in our administration," Zulkifli said at a press conference in Jawi, Seberang Perai Selatan in mainland Penang.

"We are focusing on the other states as well, including Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and we have something big in Malacca, and perhaps, Johor," added Zulkifli, who was a veteran DAP leader for 25 years before quitting to form PAP in 2015.

Zulkifli (photo) was in Jawi to receive the membership of former DAP one-term Jawi assemblyperson Tan Beng Huat, who was dropped as a candidate in the 13th general election in 2013.

Tan, who has been appointed as PAP state liaison committee chief, was replaced in the GE13 election by current Jawi elected representative Soon Lip Chee.

Zulkifli has known Tan for many years since they have both been in DAP, and he said he could vouch for Tan’s character.

'Tan is well-liked by the voters'

He said Tan is well-liked by the voters as he won his seat in 2008 with a 4,000-vote majority, beating the then incumbent MCA assemblywoman Tan Cheng Liang.

"He did not lose at the hands of the rakyat, but lost in the hands of the leaders of the so-called CAT, which is actually corruption, arrogance and thick-headedness," Zulkifli said, referring to the state's Competency, Accountability and Transparency slogan.

"After two terms, these (corruption, arrogance and thick-headedness) are proven to be true, for the present DAP assemblypersons and MPs are not doing anything," he added.

Zulkifli also said that PAP is a multiracial party, and so would be its candidates in the forthcoming general election, as the party is also interested in contesting seats at the national level.

The party plans to field candidates in all the 13 parliamentary and 40 state seats in Penang, and in the other states as well.

"We want to send a message that PAP is very serious and that we are willing to lead Penang, whether by ourselves or in coalition with other parties.

"As far as the coming election is concerned, PAP is prepared.

"We have our strategies and will announce our candidates, one by one, until the election," Zulkifli said.

"We will progressively launch our logo as well, which is the swallow (burung walit), symbolising freedom, purity, harmony and unity."