Commentary: Internal strife in DAP is a needless distraction ahead of crucial Malaysia state polls

DAP’S GRIP OVER PENANG

Penang is the only state in Malaysia where a Chinese has been the leader of the state administration since independence in 1957 and the DAP, which wrested control of the state following the 2008 national elections, has made the state its stronghold ever since. 

The behind-the-scenes tensions have eased in recent days following an announcement by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke that Mr Chow will remain as the party’s candidate for the post of chief minister after the elections. But state DAP leaders expect party conflicts to resurface after the polls over the formation of a new state government.

The Penang assembly election is one of six closely followed state electoral contests that will take place simultaneously on Aug 12. The other states that will go to the polls are PH-controlled Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, together with Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu that are under the leadership of the opposition right-wing Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS).

The DAP-led coalition, which counts Mr Anwar’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as partners in the state, is widely expected to retain power in the upcoming polls. But some serious setbacks are expected, spotlighting voter fatigue over Malaysia’s prolonged political gridlock and growing unhappiness with the DAP leadership and Mr Lim, factors that are likely to contribute to a lower voter turnout.

Before the state assembly was dissolved in late June, the DAP-led PH coalition controlled 30 of the 40 seats in Penang. An overwhelming victory is unlikely this time around and there are concerns that it may not secure a two-thirds majority in the state assembly.

To be sure, DAP’s grip over Penang remains intact. 

Even with the expected lower voter turnout, the DAP is expected to win all of the 19 state seats it is contesting because the party remains the only choice among the Chinese voters. PKR is expected to pick up another six seats to give the PH coalition a simple majority to form the state government, while the remaining 15 seats will see tight contests that, at this point, favour the opposition.