Steven Sim, the Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, has been appointed as the new chief of the Penang branch of the Democratic Action Party (DAP). This decision follows the recent internal elections within the party.
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh has been named as the deputy chairman, while Tanjong Bunga assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari and former state executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin have been appointed as vice-chairmen.
In the polls, Ramkarpal Singh emerged as the top vote-getter, with Steven Sim coming in second, and Yeoh Soon Hin securing the third position.
Despite speculation about his potential candidacy for the Chief Minister position, Steven Sim has brushed off such talks, emphasizing his commitment to focusing on grassroots work first. He plans to form a special task force to build ties with civil society organisations and connect with people on the ground.
The recent election results are seen by analysts as an indication that DAP members have accepted the peace deal within the party. However, the drop in support for Lim Hui Ying, who was previously a deputy minister, is viewed as a reflection of her lacklustre performance in that role.
These developments mark a significant shift in the leadership and strategy of the Penang DAP, with a renewed emphasis on grassroots engagement and community connections.
Sources:
- Sim brushes off CM talk, will focus on grassroots first | FMT
- Steven Sim new Penang DAP chief, Ramkarpal is deputy | FMT
- Penang DAP results shows members accepted peace deal, says …
- Steven Sim appointed Penang DAP chief | FMT – Free Malaysia Today
- Ramkarpal tops Penang DAP polls | FMT – Free Malaysia Today
