Phee Boon Poh, a former Penang executive councillor and DAP veteran, has called on the party’s senior leadership to cease public attacks on the Penang state government, warning that the infighting threatens both the unity government and DAP’s standing in the state.
In a statement, Phee said that while differing views and constructive criticism are part of normal democratic party processes, there was a clear line between offering feedback and continuously pressuring one’s own government and chief minister in public.
“It is difficult for the grassroots and public to understand why certain matters are not first properly discussed internally through the established avenues instead of being repeatedly raised in the public arena and state assembly,” he said.
The public expects DAP to provide stability, mature leadership and responsible governance, not “continuous public attacks against our own party-led state government”, Phee added.
He defended Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, noting that Chow had exercised “considerable patience, restraint and professionalism” while leading the state government despite provocation.
“If there were genuine concerns regarding government matters, I also believe such issues should first be raised through internal discussions and party-government channels,” Phee said.
While Phee did not name the targets of his statement, his remarks came a day after Chow locked horns with his predecessor and DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng over the state’s decision to reject an RM818 million bid for the Batu Kawan Industrial Park project. The exchange unfolded during Chow’s winding-up speech in the state assembly as he responded to questions about the Penang Development Corporation.
Chow and Lim had also previously traded statements and comments over several other issues, including quit rent in Penang.
Phee stressed that at a time when external political forces are working to weaken the unity government and Penang’s stability, DAP leaders must demonstrate maturity, discipline and collective responsibility.
“No leader is bigger than the party, and no generation can lead forever,” he said, calling for space to be created for younger leaders to grow and gain experience.
He noted that younger DAP leaders were already carrying significant responsibilities in government and at the grassroots level under increasingly difficult political and economic conditions.
“They should be guided and strengthened, not constantly subjected to internal public attacks and political manoeuvring,” he added.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
