Penang DAP has been reminded to start early preparations for the possibility of simultaneous general and state elections next year.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has warned Penang DAP against complacency and urged early preparations for potential simultaneous general and state elections.
He said next year would be critical as several state assemblies approach their term ends.
Loke noted that Johor, Melaka and Sarawak state assemblies would reach their term limits soon.
He suggested Parliament might need early dissolution if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim decides to hold GE16 with state elections.
“I didn’t say it will happen, but my duty is to remind the Penang leadership to be prepared to face any possibility, even though the state’s term is still long,” he told 696 delegates at the Penang DAP annual convention.
He explained the political landscape had changed since the last general election when Pakatan Harapan-led states held separate polls.
The current situation requires more coordinated strategy with federal and state governments under the same administration.
Loke stressed that unity and party discipline remained vital for maintaining public trust in Penang DAP.
He warned against complacency despite the party’s comfortable position and good administrative record.
“Voters hate it the most if the party is not united. Penang DAP’s strength relies on unity,” he added.
He urged all members to respect last year’s party elections and support new Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim.
Sim replaced Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow after he chose not to contest.
The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional pact won 29 of 40 seats in the 2023 Penang state election. – Bernama
