DAP intends to have snap poll in Penang, PKR is not convinced
(Sin Chew) – Sin Chew Daily learnt that the DAP central executive committee has decided in its meeting held on Monday to have snap poll in Penang. However, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has not been convinced on the objective of holding a snap poll.
The political bureau of PKR held its meeting tonight to discuss the proposal on snap poll in Penang. PKR president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah spoke to the media briefly after the meeting. She said PKR has yet to be convinced on the purpose of holding a snap poll in Penang.
Continue to discuss with Pakatan Harapan
She stresses that PKR is prepared to continue with its discussion with other members of Pakatan Harapan on this issue.
She said the political bureau of PKR discussed several issues in its weekly meeting. The proposal to have snap poll in Penang is also included.
It is learned that DAP secretary-general cum Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was supposed to attend the political bureau meeting of PKR tonight to explain to the top leadership of PKR on the necessity to hold a snap poll. However, he did not turn up.
The meeting of PKR political bureau was scheduled at 8.30pm. PKR president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah and daughter Nurul Izzah (vice president) arrived at PKR headquarters at 7.40pm. Other PKR leaders also trooped in including deputy president cum Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, vice president Tian Chua and Election Bureau Saifuddin.
Penang PKR chairman Datuk Mansor also attended the meeting.
The Star quoted remarks made by Pakatan Harapan leaders in Selangor that DAP, in its central executive committee meeting held on Monday, decided to hold state election in Penang. Six leaders proceeded to Wan Azizah’s home right after the meeting to relate the decision to her. It is learned that Wan Azizah was non-committal.
Sources told Sin Chew Daily that there were arguments in the central executive committee of DAP on snap poll in Penang. However, conclusion was more inclined to agree on the snap poll.
Central executive committee members of DAP tight-lipped
Many central committee members of DAP, when asked, were mum. PKR leaders were in the dark and stressed that the political bureau meeting was a regular meeting. It was not held to discuss early election in Penang.
It is learned that some PKR leaders were not keen on this proposal but have raised many questions during the meeting.
After 2013 General Elections, the Penang state government was formed after the then Pakatan Rakyat members secured a two third of seats. DAP won 19 seats, PKR 10 seats and PAS 1 seat. Umno, the opposition in the state, won 10 seats.
Lim responded by saying “thank you”
On whether the central executive committee of DAP discussed about snap poll in Penang, DAP secretary-general Lim refused to comment after attending the Penang Development Corporation Hari Raya lunch reception. He declined comment when the phrase “state elections” was mentioned.
As reporters tried another time, he merely responded by saying “thank you.”
