DAP will continue to be a dynamic and relevant party by continuously fielding new candidates in elections, its secretary-general Anthony Loke said.

Loke was referring to party members who were dropped from contesting in the Penang elections on August 12.

He announced today that Penang DAP would field seven new faces in the polls.

“We need to give a chance to them so that we have new leaders in the party,” he said after announcing the candidates in Penang today.

“We have to carry on this rejuvenation process, if not the party will become irrelevant. This renewal process will be held for every election.

“This is a normal process. Maybe after one or two general elections, I might be replaced.”

The seven new faces are Phee Syn Tze (Sungai Puyu), Chee Yeeh Keen (Bagan Jermal), S. Sundarajoo (Perai), Kumaran Krishnan (Bagan Dalam), Connie Tan Hooi Peng (Seri Delima), Joshua Woo Sze Zeng (Pulau Tikus) and Wong Yuee Harng (Pengkalan Kota).

Loke said some of their members who were dropped have already been in the Penang legislative assembly for three terms.

“There are some prominent leaders who have served for more than three terms. They will make way for the new faces.

“Such as P. Ramasamy, who has been deputy chief minister for three terms.

“Another member who has given way is former Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit. He has expressed his wish to not contest in the polls and look after his health.

“Another who is not fielded is Yeoh Soon Hin, who is the caretaker state tourism, arts and culture committee chairman,” he said.

Loke said DAP has suggested that Yeoh be given the Penang Port Commission chief’s post.

“He can help me to manage the port and ensure the ferry services run smoothly,” he said.

“We have also suggested that Yeoh be fielded in a parliamentary constituency in the next general election.

“This is a process that we have to go through to remain as a dynamic and progressive state government.”

Loke also said DAP is bigger than any individual and there is no leader who is irreplaceable. – July 25, 2023.