DAP seeking allies’ views for Penang snap polls, claim sources

(Malaysiakini) – Sources have claimed that DAP has discussed holding a snap state election in Penang and is seeking the feedback of its coalition partners in Pakatan Harapan.

Malaysiakini learnt that the discussion took place during the party central executive committee meeting held in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that PKR leaders would hold a meeting in this matter tonight.

However, both DAP and PKR leaders have been tightlipped when question about this. Malaysiakini is also attempting to obtain comments from Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Apart from this, speculation is also rife that DAP organising secretary and Seremban MP Anthony Loke would be contesting in Penang in the event of snap state election.

It is claimed that Loke would be an alternative to Lim as DAP secretary-general and chief minister, should the court find Lim guilty of the two corruption charges against him.

Lim has denied the charges, claiming to be a victim of political persecution. The authorities have dismissed this accusation.

However, Loke rubbished the speculation when questioned by Malaysiakini.

“There is no such thing,” he replied when quizzed if he would contest a seat in Penang if a state election is called.

Previously, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy told Malaysiakini that DAP had shortlisted two options in response to the two corruption charges against Lim.

Ramasamy said one was to call for a snap election to gauge the people’s response to the charges, while the other was to wait for the general election to be called, no later than August 2018.

The possibility of a snap polls drew flak from DAP political rivals.

Lim is charged with the rezoning of a plot of land in Balik Pulau from agriculture to residential use, which the prosecutors said was done to benefit one of the landowners, businesswoman Phang Li Koon.

Lim chaired the state planning committee that approved the rezoning, which was later rejected by the Penang Island City Council.

Phang is also the previous owner of the bungalow on Jalan Pinhorn, which Lim purchased for RM2.8 million, purportedly at below its market value.

Phang has also been charged, together with Lim, with abetting him in purchasing the property at below market value, which is an offence in the Penal Code for a public official.