Selangor DAP may see challenges to its leadership when it holds elections on Sunday, taking forward a process of rejuvenation that begin with the general election victories of many of its members.

The elected representatives are among 31 candidates who will have to fight for 15 seats in the party’s state committee.

They include Hannah Yeoh (Subang Jaya), Lee Ying Ha (Teratai), Philip Tan Choon Swee (Teluk Datuk), Cheah Wing Yin (Damansara Utama), M Manoharan (Kota Alam Shah), Teo Nie Ching (Serdang), Tony Pua (Petaling Jaya Utara) and Charles Santiago (Klang).

teng chang kim and selangor Talk is already circulating that ‘lone ranger’ Teng Chang Khim may join forces with some of them to challenge the state leadership.

A party source said Teng, who is speaker of the state assembly, has already roped in Yeoh, Lee and Charles as ‘running mates’. They are relying on ‘change’ and ‘professionalism’ as their trump card to woo over delegates.

The current leadership, led by state exco Ean Yong Hian Wah, are stressing their achievements in having helmed party’s historical win in Selangor.

Contacted before the nominations list was announced, Teng had denied that he would set up a team to contest the party election.

"I never formed a team in the past and I am not doing it now," he had said.

When asked if he intended to contest the elections, Teng replied he has not “received any letter” on this and that he has yet to make a decision.

First test for Ean Yong

The polls will also be the first test of popularity for Ean Yong, who took over as state chief when Ong Chee Keng was sacked and subsequently quit the party two years ago.

selangor exco meet illegal factory 040408 ean yong hian wah Ean Yong (right) is seen as the blue-eyed boy of national secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, and is seeking a new term along with colleagues like state secretary Lau Weng San.

According to the source, the current leadership will enjoy an advantage because new branches formed after the general election in March, are not allowed to vote in the polls.

Delegates from 40 branches, current committee members and people’s representatives in Selangor will be eligible to vote - in total, making up 291 votes.

However, the incumbents could be in for a tough fight because leaders associated with Lim have lost in other states.

chong eng In Penang, the Young Turks won, while state exco Law Heng Kiang and party women’s head Chong Eng (left) were left out of the committee.

Bentayan state assemblyperson Wee Tong Hiang, who is linked to Lim, was the last one to win a seat on the Johor committee last Sunday.

The Selangor polls could affect the Youth wing elections to be held on Dec 6. According to source, Ean Yong may contest the deputy chief’s post.

There is also speculation that current Youth chief Nga Kor Ming and his deputy Chong Chieng Jen will not defend their posts.

If Ean Yong loses his place in the main committee, it will hamper his bid for the Youth post.