GEORGE TOWN: DAP is making some sweeping changes to its representation in Penang by dropping several senior leaders such as state exco members Lim Hock Seng and Danny Law Heng Kiang, as well as two MPs and two assemblymen.
Those dropped are two-term Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi, 63; one-term Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, 41, who was Komtar assemblyman previously; two-term Bagan Dalam assemblyman A. Tanasekharan, 62; and two-term Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lau Keng Ee.
Penang DAP sent out a media invitation yesterday evening, informing the press that it will announce all its candidates for Penang at 10am today.
It is learnt that Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto, 39, would be retained despite efforts by some party leaders to oust her.
Sources said Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer would replace Ooi in Jelutong, while city councillor Syerleena Abdul Rashid will be fielded in Seri Delima.
Daniel Gooi, 30, the aide of state exco member Jagdeep Singh Deo and Chemor branch chairman, would be fielded in Pengkalan Kota.
Penang Island City councillor Ong Ah Teong would be fielded in Batu Lancang while Seberang Prai municipal councillor Satees Muniandy is likely to replace Tanasekharan.
Another city councillor going up the ladder is Joseph Ng, who will be fielded in the Air Itam state seat.
Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy will defend his Perai state seat.
Seberang Prai municipal councillor Jason H’ng is to be fielded in Jawi while Jawi incumbent Soon Lip Chee is to go to Bagan Jermal, replacing Lim.
When contacted, Hock Seng, 70, said it was time for him to take a rest.
“I have been at this for 44 years. I joined DAP in 1974. After the elections, I will take a rest and see what I can do for the rest of my life.
“I have been a full-time politician since 1990. I served four terms as Member of Parliament, four terms as an assemblyman and two terms as a state Exco member. It has been a good challenge,” he added.
Hock Seng won the Bagan Jermal state seat in 1986 and was elected Bagan MP in 1990. He stood in the Bukit Tengah state seat in 1995 but lost to Datuk Liang Thau Sang of Gerakan.
He was fielded in the Bagan parliamentary by-election in 1995 after the death of incumbent P. Patto and won the seat. He won the seat in 1999 and 2004.
In 2008, Lim Guan Eng, now Penang Chief Minister, contested and won the seat.
Before 1990, Hock Seng was a building contractor.
Ooi said the party leadership informed him that he was dropped via a video conference as he was on a day trip to Kuala Lumpur.
“Soon after, Rayer and I got in touch with each other. I will mobilise my election machinery at his command.
“Rayer has also invited me to walk with him during the constituency visits. I shall do that.
“Our common aim is to ensure DAP wins big under the PKR logo with an increased majority,” he said.
Tanasekharan said he would abide by the party’s decision.
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