Year 2016 continues to be a very challenging year for Malaysia and for the party. As we celebrate the party 50th Anniversary, we are reminded of the people’s mandate and aspirations to move the party ahead and achieve greater success in our political mission.
The political environment changes rapidly during the year and political parties are found to be responding by realigning themselves to face these political challenges and at the same time seizing the political opportunities that are available.
At the national level, mobilization for Bersih 5 rally and the Red Shirts Movement have heightened political tension in the country as our nation prepares itself for the next General Election.
The Prime Minister is still plagued with the 1MDB scandal but remains firmly in power as he musters all his political strength to counter the intensified drive to oust him and to held him responsible for the greatest financial scandal in the country’s history.
The BN seems to have recover their strength following the impressive results in the Sarawak state elections and the success in retaining two Parliamentary seats in the by-elections held.
The country is also gripped with suspense with PAS’ unpredictable position in the current political situation, where they are seen as moving in tandem with Umno on the Islamic agenda. Their persistency in pushing for the implementation of Hudud laws in Parliament has created much tension for political parties whether from BN or the opposition ranks.
Meanwhile, the formation of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia by Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak’s nemesis Tun Dr Mahathir and Tan Sri Muhyuddin Yassin has heightened the political tension amongst the Malay populace.
At the moment, Pakatan Harapan is still trying to get its act together as we face the rapid changing political scenarios.
At the Penang state level, the arrest and charging of the Chief Minister and Secretary General Sdr Lim Guan Eng for corruption poised a great challenge for the party and the State government.
The party was put into alert with the possibility of an early State election to return the mandate to the people to choose the government of their choice. However, it did not materialized and the party keep its vigilant to the need to face any possible changes.
In the face of such a volatile year, the Penang DAP remains confident in our political works and look forward to a new mandate from the people in the next general election.
One of the highlights of the year is the celebration of the party’s 50th Anniversary. Penang was chosen for the national launch of this celebration on 19 March 2016. The state also commissioned the publication of a book to commensurate the party works in Penang for the past 50 years. The Chinese edition of this book was launched on 24 September this year. The editorial team is still working on printing the book in other languages.
A fundraising dinner was also held in sPICE Arena on 24 September to celebrate our anniversary. Meanwhile several other activities are scheduled to be held over the next few months.
The party also quickly mobilized our machinery to launch a “Sympathy, Solidarity and Support Lim Guan Eng” campaign when the Secretary General was arrested and then charged at the Penang High Court on 30 June 2016. The party record its appreciation to members, supporters and well-wishers for coming forward to join Sdr Lim Guan Eng as he faces another prosecution in his political career.
The party also put in a lot of resources and manpower assistance during the Sarawak state election. It was a valuable experience for our members campaigning in rural Sarawak.
Voter registration exercise was conducted in various locations throughout the state to get new voters to register in time for the 14th general election. This year, the Election Commission is conducting the constituency re-delineation exercise and the party has submitted petitions for several constituencies in view of the worsening disparity of number of voters.
The party representatives in the Penang State Government, Parliament and State Legislative Assembly, local authorities, government agencies and JKKK have continued to demonstrate a high-level of commitment to perform well for the people.
The Penang state government and local councils are now focussing on the implementation of the Penang Transport Master Plan, undersea tunnel and major road projects, Gurney Wharf, affordable housing and basic amenities. Similarly, strong emphasis is also given to the State’s social, health, environment, culture, education, religious and sports programme which is gender inclusive and progressive.
The party reckons that such projects are important for the future development of Penang as a high income state with sustainable and high standard of living. The State government has subscribed to the Competency, Accountability and Transparency governance principles in engaging the people and civil society to address their concerns over environmental and social impacts.
As the leading party in the State Government coalition, we have demonstrated our political leadership in leading the state forward despite having very little resources and assistance from the Federal Government. The party is also able to work with the civil servants in delivering and fulfilling our election manifesto to achieve a Cleaner, Greener, Safer and Healthier Penang.
Despite the challenging global economic situation, Penang has achieved the highest growth rate in the country the last two years and is resilient in facing restructuring exercise of the multi- national corporations in the State’s manufacturing sector. The state is also growing the service and tourism sector to ensure a balance economic growth.
The party is strong in facing political challenges from BN component parties and civil society organizations that are getting more vocal in attacking the performance of the State government, local councils and other government agencies.
In this regard, the party is gearing up preparation for the coming general election by forming an election campaign committee headed by the State Secretary Sdri Lim Hui Ying.
Special attention is being given to beef up the social media machinery within the party and our party representatives in government. The party has approved more resources into this department in view of its importance in reaching the people.
Recently, the party has also embarked on a special programme called “Listening Tours” for party leaders and Assemblymen and MPs to visit the constituencies to hear out the people and mobilize resources to help the people overcome their problems.
Over this period, the party is able to sustain our operations and programmes and improve our human resources at the headquarters because of our financial ability. We have ensure that our headquarters will be able to support the party’s campaign in the next general elections.
Party organization works in galvanizing grassroots and branch support are being done. Most of the branches are active and are able to comply with the party’s organization procedures.
The DAPSY, Wanita 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.
The country is expected to undergo great challenges in view of the various unresolved national issues. The next general election promises to be most difficult. As we celebrate our 50 years of struggle, let us look forward and strive even harder to realise our political vision of a fair and just Malaysia for all Malaysians.
In Penang, we have the opportunity as a State government to help fulfil this vision. Let’s continue the fight!