State polls: DAP not naming Steven Sim, Lim Hui Ying as candidates, says Loke

GEORGE TOWN: Two big names from DAP – Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim and Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying – will not be fielded in the state polls, says Anthony Loke.

This was revealed by the party secretary-general in an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily.

"Sim will not contest a state seat. Lim too will not be fielded in the upcoming state polls," he said.

Talk had it that Sim, who is Bukit Mertajam MP, and Lim, who is Tanjong MP, had been touted as potential chief ministers.

Earlier speculation was that both could be fielded in state seats and if they won, they would quit their ministerial posts and be appointed Penang exco members under caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who has been given another shot at the state's top job should Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional win the state polls.

The exco posts are seen as a training ground and stepping stone to the chief minister post.

Asked if DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, who is also Bagan MP, would contest in the state election, Loke said: "We will announce next week."