Record 88 candidates for Penang DAP polls

A record 88 candidates will vie for 15 positions at the state DAP convention here but the list does not include party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and five other leaders.

State DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the names of the six leaders were in the original nomination list.

However, when the deadline came for them to submit their papers, they declined.

“It is up to them. I’m made to believe that they have their personal reasons for not wanting to contest,” he said at a press conference to announce the list of candidates here yesterday. The convention takes place on Dec 12.

Besides Lim, others not contesting are DAP chairman Karpal Singh, Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi, Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, state executive councillor Lydia Ong Kok Fooi and Jawi assemblyman Tan Beng Huat.

Chow said those contesting include 10 municipal councillors.

He said a large number of the candidates were new members who joined the party after its win in Penang during the 2008 general election.

Chow said 694 delegates and 200 observers will be attending the convention.

Nominations closed on Nov 29.

There is talk of two factions – one supported by former Nibong Tebal DAP division head Teh Hock Eng, better known as Sakura Teh, while the other is said to be a faction led by Indian members.

The Star