GEORGE TOWN: Former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh has declined to contest in the DAP's central executive committee (CEC) elections despite being nominated by his division.
The DAP veteran said while he appreciated being nominated for the upcoming election he has decided not to contest and will withdraw his candidacy.
"As a veteran leader, I believe that it is time to give the next generation a better future to drive the party forward in a new direction.
"I was first nominated as a DAP candidate in 1990 and have served for five terms in the Penang Legislative Assembly and three terms as a state executive committee.
"During this time I have taken every opportunity to train new talents and make them future leaders.
"That is why I am not looking for further leadership positions and want the next generation of leaders to lead the party in the future," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 19).
Phee said when he first contested in the 1990s, DAP was not only about the general elections but a daily struggle for survival.
"I believe that it is time to give the next generation a better future to drive the party forward in a new direction," he said.
It was reported today that amid the much heated upcoming party polls, two other DAP veteran leaders, its national adviser Tan Kok Wai and national treasurer Fong Kui Lun announced their withdrawal from the central executive committee contest as well.
The duo announced their decision in a joint statement and said their move is part of a succession plan to make way for new blood in party leadership roles.
The central executive committee election will be held during the party's upcoming 18th national congress on March 16.
