State polls: DCM Ramasamy out of DAP line-up

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Deputy Chief Minister Dr P Ramasamy is out of the state polls, likely marking the end of the 74-year-old's career as a politician.

Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo has been named in his place as the DAP candidate for the Prai seat.

Sundarajoo was the former deputy chief executive officer of Ecoworld Development Group Bhd who has been in the property industry for more than 31 years.

He was among seven new candidates named in the state DAP line-up.

The others are Connie Tan Hooi Peng, Phee Syn Tze, Joshua Woo Sze Zeng, Kumaran Krishnan, Chee Yeeh Keen, and Wong Yuee Harng.

All seven new candidates were seen jubilant at the Jen Hotel where DAP candidates from the state are expected to be announced.

The new candidates were seen taking pictures with their supporters at the foyer of the hotel ballrooms.

Phee Syn Tze is expected to take over the seat held by her father Phee Boon Poh in Sungai Puyu while Kumaran is set to stand in Bagan Dalam now held by Satees Muniandy, a protégé of Ramasamy.

The event had been scheduled to start at 5pm but was delayed. A total of 19 candidates including seven new faces are expected to be announced.

It has been speculated that the deputy chief minister’s post will be taken over by Jagdeep Singh Deo, if Pakatan Harapan/Barisan Nasional wins the election.

Jagdeep has held the Datok Keramat seat since 2008 and is expected to defend his seat next month.

Hundreds of supporters were eagerly waiting for the state DAP candidates announcement at Jen Hotel.