GEORGE TOWN: Incumbent DAP member of parliament for Tanjong, Ng Wei Aik said he was kept in the dark over the reason behind the decision by party leaders to drop him from contesting in the 14th General Election (GE14).
“I do not know why I was dropped and I do not want to ask the reason, maybe it was the best arrangement for the party.
“I still believe in our party’s ideology and if the party thinks we have to go, I will let it go, but if the party feels I can still contribute, then I will consider,” he said at a press conference held at Chew Jetty.
Incumbent Jelutong member of parliament Jeff Ooi, who was also present at the press conference, echoed Ng’s sentiments. However both vowed to keep fighting to ensure wins for the party.
“We will give our full support for the new candidates and help them win in the election,” he said.
The news of several big names from the state DAP being axed from contesting in GE14 came as a shock to many.
Amongst the influential figures dropped were incumbent Batu Lanchang assemblyman Danny Law who is being replaced with Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Ong Ah Teong and Bagan Jermal assemblyman Lim Hock Seng who is being replaced with Jawi assemblyman, Soon Lip Chee.
Other names dropped were Bagan Dalam assemblyman A. TanaSekaran and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lau Keng Ee.
Ng will be replaced by state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow while Ooi will be replaced by current Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer.
Ng was a one-time member of parliament for Tanjong and also a one-time Komtar assemblyman.
Despite being dropped from contesting, Ng is still hopeful of being invovled in serving the people in other capacities apart from an elected member of parliament.
“I still want to help people although I will no longer be an MP.
“If any opportunity arises in a few years for me to serve the people through the party, the state government or in any other capacity, I would be willing to take it up,” he added.