CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow may not be contesting the Tanjong parliamentary seat this time, but he is not leaving his substitute, Lim Hui Ying, in a lurch in the run-up to the 15th General Election (GE15).
Chow, as well as DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, gave their moral support to Hui Ying when they and their supporters visited the Cecil Street Market in George Town today.
It was certainly a nostalgic moment for Chow as he had previously held the Tanjong parliamentary seat for four terms before making way for Hui Ying.
Chow will, however, be contesting the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat.
Although Hui Ying is a newcomer, she is not exactly a greenhorn. She has been involved in politics for over 20 years and is currently the state DAP secretary. She recently quit being a Senator to contest the Tanjong parliamentary seat.
Loke said Pakatan Harapan is hopeful of winning all the 13 parliamentary seats in Penang at a brief press conference.
“In the last general election, we lost two seats, and they are Tasek Gelugor and Kepala Batas.
“We hope to not only defend the 11 seats but also to fight and win the other two seats this time.
“The next few days of the week and the following week will be crucial. We will continue to work hard on our campaigns everywhere.
“If we are given the mandate to lead the government, we will surely create a brighter future for all,” Loke told the reporters.
When asked if DAP would conduct asset declaration for its members since PKR has done so, Loke said there is no such policy in the party.
“If we are elected as the government and upon completion of the swearing-in ceremony, we will declare our assets, just like the last time around (GE14),” he added.
Chow today announced that the state government has declared Nov 18 as a state holiday to allow voters to plan and return to their states to cast their votes.
Asked by a reporter whether the announcement was too early as some may take advantage of it to go for holidays instead, Chow said the sole purpose of the state holiday on Nov 18 is to give voters enough time to cast their votes on the polling day on Nov 19.
“Whether or not the people go for holidays, it’s their freedom.
“And if the private sector decides not to follow suit, it is up to the private sector. But the civil sector here will follow it,” he said.
Later, Chow and Hui Ying visited Little India and interacted with the visitors and traders there.
Some took the opportunity to take selfies with them.
A tea stall owner even offered a few cups of ‘masala tea’ to Chow and the dignitaries present.
The wet weather did not dampen the spirit of the supporters as the loud cheers of ‘Kita Boleh’ were heard along the streets.