GEORGE TOWN: Penang Parti Wawasan Negara currently has 15,000 members and aims to recruit 50,000 more within the next six months as it works to strengthen its grassroots presence, says its Bukit Mertajam division chief Musen Liew.
He said the party had confirmed 13 division chiefs in Penang since July, with each division now actively forming its respective committee.
Liew says that the party's focus is on building a resilient, united organisation deeply connected to local communities.
"Success depends on collective effort, not individual leadership. We want a team that takes responsibility and delivers results rather than merely making public statements," he said following the division’s inaugural committee meeting on Friday (Oct 30).
At the national level, Liew noted that the party—led by president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin—has established 175 divisions nationwide with a total membership of 100,000. It aims to grow its national membership to 300,000 by the end of the year.
Moving forward, Liew said the Bukit Mertajam division will focus on pressing local concerns, including the rising cost of living, job opportunities, education, and public infrastructure.
"We want to maintain a consistent presence in the community rather than only reaching out to residents during election campaigns," he said.
On recent local infrastructure and safety issues, Liew called on authorities to investigate recent landslide incidents thoroughly and implement preventive safety measures.
Regarding the state's ongoing Light Rail Transit (LRT) development, he noted that while the party supports infrastructure progress, public safety must not be compromised. He urged authorities to conduct regular road inspections and early risk mitigation throughout construction.
Liew also highlighted recurring floods in Bukit Mertajam as a critical, long-standing issue that demands a comprehensive, permanent fix.
"After 20 years of incremental measures and infrastructure upgrades, residents deserve a permanent solution. They should not have to fear for their homes and belongings every time heavy rain falls," he said.
Additionally, Liew shared that the Bukit Mertajam division is gearing up to support the party's broader national machinery, including mobilising members to assist in upcoming by-elections in Melaka.
