KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has reminded his party members to put Penang's interest before their own.
Loke, commenting on the dissatisfaction among some quarters in the party over the list of candidates contesting in the upcoming state elections, emphasised that the list of candidates was final, and the voters should now make their choice.
"What is important is the future of Penang. It is not about the future of any candidates.
"I do not want to react too much to the negative reactions by individual leaders or individual personalities.
"They are free to say whatever they want but we have made a decision and we will stick to the decision," he said, adding that the current turmoil was expected.
Loke also warned rogue members who wish to contest as independent candidates over the consequences of having their membership automatically revoked in accordance with the party constitution.
He said so far the party only received a resignation letter from former Batu Kawan DAP Chief David Marshel, who had announced his intention to contest for the Prai seat.
"Once he has resigned from the party, of course, it is his right as a citizen to contest in any election either with another party or as an independent (candidate).
"For those who have not yet resigned, however, if they continue to run as an independent (candidate), their membership will be terminated," he said.
Loke said the focus now would be to convince the people of Penang that DAP and Pakatan Harapan together in the unity government, would deliver for their betterment in the next five years.
The voters, he added, would ultimately evaluate them for their choice of candidates.
He also expressed confidence that having Lim Guang Eng would not cost the party.
"I am a very positive person, I go into an election with a winning mentality and we are going in with a winning strategy.
"Lim was the two-term chief minister and of course, he played an important role in winning Penang in 2008 for DAP and led Penang for 10 years.
"A lot of changes were made during his time and I am sure that the Penang voters by and large will still appreciate his contribution to Penang,' he said.
On caretaker Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy's claims that the party was not how it used to be, Loke who refused to be drawn into any unnecessary polemics said, the party would change to progressively move forward.
He added that DAP had remained steadfast in its principles and in its pursuit of a better Malaysia.
"What is important is to provide not only stability for the country but also to ensure that the country can progress in all areas, especially in economic development.
"The party has never changed in terms of its goals, its dreams and its objectives.
"We are working very hard. All of us, be they the ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament and state executive councillors. Everyone in the party is working hard towards achieving our objectives and as I said, leaders must be prepared to give way when the time comes," he said.
Loke said there was no single leader who could play a role forever.
"Every one of us is just a transition in a party struggle. The party is here to stay. Leaders come and go, but the party will continue to pursue our political objectives and our goals for a better Malaysia," he added.
Five caretaker Penang excos have been dropped from the list of candidates in the upcoming state elections.
They included Ramasamy, DAP Wanita chief Chong Eng, Phee Boon Poh, Yeooh Soon Hin and Soon Lip Chee.
Some of the party leaders have voiced their disagreement openly, with some claiming that there are hidden hands behind the selection of candidates.