PENANG DAP celebrated buka puasa for the third year by inviting several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and partners of Pakatan Harapan from Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Penang and Parti Amanah Negara at Evergreen Laurel Hotel in Gurney Drive tonight.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the state DAP chairman, thanked them for their presence.
“The purpose of this buka puasa celebration is to strengthen the leadership of NGOs in the state as well as to appreciate the leadership of the partners of Pakatan Harapan,” Chow said in his short speech.
Having heard that DAP had unofficially retained the Sandakan seat through Vivian Wong in a by-election by over 10,000 votes during the dinner, Chow said the victory showed the spirit of the Pakatan Harapan supporters.
“It’s our responsibility to do our part for the country and the voters,” Chow added.
The Sandakan by-election was called when Vivian’s father, the incumbent Datuk Stephen Wong, passed away suddenly.
The other contestants were PBS’s Datuk Linda Tsen and three independents – Hamzah Abdullah, Chia Siew Yung and Sulaiman Abdul Samat.
Among the dignitaries who attended the buka puasa celebration were State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Penang Pribumi chairman Datuk Marzuki Yahya, who is also the Deputy Foreign Minister, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim, Penang Amanah deputy chairman Mohamad Taufek Abd Rahman and Nibong Tebal MP Datuk Dr Mansor Othman and Penang DAP vice-chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Others included Penang DAP secretary Senator Lim Hui Ying, Penang DAP Wanita chief Lim Siew Khim, and Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.
Earlier, Marzuki, in his speech, praised DAP for their contributions not just to the party alone but also the country.
He urged the people to be aware of the Opposition playing with sentiments on race and religion.
“We’ve a good and strong relationship. Pakatan Harapan is not going to be a one-term government,” he said.
Mohamad Taufek also praised the Penang government for assisting mosques, Islamic institutions, students and teachers.
“Pakatan Harapan will remain strong, focusing on unity and harmony,” he said.
Zairil said the Penang government would concentrate on delivering their services and infrastructure now that they are in their third term.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alvie Cheng