Incumbents likely to be dropped as DAP gears up for GE14
GEORGE TOWN: A least three DAP assemblymen could be dropped from the state line-up in the next general election, including two who have fallen out of favour with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Maverick Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu and Berapit assemblyman Lydia Ong, both who have voiced their dissent over several decisions by the party, are not likely to be fielded again.
“Teh’s removal is expected as he had called for the Chief Minister to step down, while Ong has signalled that she would not seek reelection as she doesn’t agree with the state leadership on several issues,” a party insider said yesterday.
Last year, Teh called for Lim to step down as Chief Minister until his corruption case was over. He also broke ranks with his DAP colleagues to support an Umno motion over land reclamation projects during the state assembly in 2015.
Two-term assemblyman Ong also criticised the party in an interview in 2015 for working with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Another incumbent who is likely to get the boot is Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lau Keng Ee.
“He is entangled in a defamation suit over an allegation that he had borrowed RM200,000 from a businessman.
“His performance is also not up to mark. He is slow in handling issues in his constituency,” the insider claimed.
When contacted, Lau said he has not received any indication from the state leadership that he will be dropped.
Teh and Ong could not be reached for comments at press time.
Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari, who is alleged to be in a close relationship with DAP youth committee member Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, is said to be going for a state seat this time.
“Zairil is president of Football Association of Penang and director of Penang Institute, and having a state seat would help him serve his duties effectively,” said the source.
Councillor and Wanita DAP national assistant publicity secretary Syerleena Abdul Rashid is seen as the best candidate to replace Zairil in the Bukit Bendera parliamentary seat.
When contacted, Syerleena said such talk about her candidacy was mere speculation and she would leave it to the party leadership to decide.
DAP has 19 seats in the 40-member state assembly.
PKR and Umno have 10 each and PAS has one.