GEORGE TOWN: Outgoing Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow has urged all party leaders and members to put the interests of the party and people above their own interests.
"As I hand over the leadership baton today, I want to urge all of us to put the interests of the party and the people above our own interests.
"We have achieved much, and we must continue to persevere with dedication and commitment. We must be guided by the party vision and mission and respect the people.
"Do not take things for granted and stay true to the party's struggle.
"I am glad to hand over a party that I believe is much better today than 25 years ago," he said in his speech at the Penang DAP state ordinary convention at the Setia SPICE Arena here today.
Chow said when he was reappointed as chief minister after the 2023 state elections, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook had directed him to have a succession plan so that the next generation could take over the leadership responsibility.
Therefore, he said, he had chosen this state ordinary convention to allow delegates to vote for a new leadership to steer Penang DAP to greater heights.
"The party has undergone great transformation in the last 25 years especially after winning power as the state government in 2008.
"We have grown exponentially from just 20 branches to almost 300 branches now. We have witnessed an influx of young and old, men and women who have joined the party.
"Today we have become a much stronger in terms of organisation, financial resources, publicity and people's support.
"We continue to lead the Penang government together with our coalition partners for the fourth term."
Chow reminded the delegates that as they cast their votes today, they would be voting for the future of the party in staying relevant as the party of choice to continue to lead the state government.
"I have had the privilege of serving as state chairman of Penang DAP for the past 25 years. It was after the disastrous Tanjong 3 electoral debacle and the shock defeat of Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and Datuk Seri Karpal Singh at the 1999 general election. I was 41 years old then and the responsibility to continue the DAP's political struggle rested on my shoulders and my team.
"We were in the opposition, and it was most challenging to keep the fighting spirit alive then.
"I am indeed thankful to the party and delegates for giving me the support and opportunity to lead the state for 25 long years. Prior to that, I also served eight years as state secretary."
Earlier this month, Chow said he decided to stay out of the party elections.
He said he received a letter from DAP Malaysia, dated Aug 27, informing him that he had been nominated to contest in the state elections, scheduled to be held on Sept 22.
He said after due consideration, he had decided not to accept the nomination to contest.