GEORGE TOWN: Four Penang candidates have announced their withdrawal from the DAP central executive committee (CEC) election on Sunday (March 16).
The four are Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, former Bagan Jermal assemblyman Datuk Soon Lip Chee, members, K. Kalidas and PR Kaliyappan.
The four said their move was to show their full support to the party leadership under secretary-general Anthony Loke.
"It's important to form a strong and united leadership to face the next general election and we pledge our full backing to Loke 'to restructure the CEC and inject fresh energy," they said in a joint statement on Saturday (March 15).
Loke on Friday (March 14) said there would be major changes to the CEC if he was elected again as secretary-general to face future challenges.
The four warned that the goal of achieving a strong and united Penang DAP will not materialise if there were still efforts from within to interfere with the party and tarnish the state government.
A total of 4,203 candidates will vote during the National Congress which is set to be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.