HUMAN Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has been elected as the new chairman of Penang DAP for the 2024-2027 term at the party’s Ordinary Convention, held at Setia SPICE Arena today.
Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, succeeds Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who opted not to contest in this election, paving the way for a succession plan after having led the party as state chairman for the past 25 years.
Ramkarpal Singh was elected deputy chairman, while Tanjung Bunga assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari and former state executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin were named the vice-chairmen. Tanjong MP and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying retained her position as the state DAP secretary.
In the election results, Ramkarpal secured the most votes among the top 15 members, securing 1,247. Sim followed closely with 1,237, while Yeoh received 1,225. Zairil garnered 1,166 and Gooi Zi Sen, the state executive councillor for Youth, Sports and Health, was fifth with 1,133 votes.
At a press conference announcing the new State Committee, Sim pledged that his team would “hit the ground running.” Fifteen members, who were earlier voted into committee, determined among themselves who should take the key positions. Five members were later coopted into the committee.
“We will get to work immediately. I, myself, will lead the team to visit every DAP parliamentary constituency in Penang to listen to their views. We want to engage with the local community, especially the youths, and encourage them to join the party.
“We affirm our support for the state government under the leadership of Chow Kon Yeow and the Federal Government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We appreciate the contribution of the previous committee headed by Chow, especially for his excellent services in leading the party and the people.
“Now, it is time to close ranks and be strong. We will continue to work hard to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Penang, ensuring DAP is a party of choice,” Sim said.
Ramkarpal, when approached by reporters, said he was pleasantly surprised to be elected as the candidate with the most votes.
“I appreciate the confidence the delegates have in me. I will repay them with hard work,” he said.
Along with Yeoh and Zairil, Ramkarpal will serve on the NGO Liaison Committee, which aims to collaborate with non-governmental organisations, irrespective of race.
A total of 1,452 of the 2,093 eligible delegates cast their votes, representing a turnout of 69.37 per cent. Of the votes, 1,367 were valid while 85 were spoilt votes.
Thirty-one candidates competed for the 15 spots in the State Committee after the withdrawal of state executive councillor Sundarajoo Somu.
The 15 members elected were as follows:
- Ramkarpal Singh A/L Karpal Singh – 1,247 votes
- Sim Chee Keong – 1,237
- Yeoh Soon Hin – 1,225
- Zairil Khir Johari – 1,166
- Gooi Zi Sen – 1,133
- Lay Hock Peng – 1,120
- H’ng Mooi Lye – 1,074
- Woo Sze Zeng – 1,047
- Phee Syn Tze – 886
- Lim Siew Khim – 870
- Soon Lip Chee – 853
- Lim Hui Ying – 827
- Phee Boon Chee – 812
- Teh Lai Heng – 722
- R.S.N. Rayer – 644
The five co-opted members of the committee were Ooi Yon Woi, Teh Chuann Yen, Sundarajoo Somu, Foo Yu Keong, and Lee Wei Seang.
New State Committee for 2024-2027
- Chairman: Steven Sim Chee Keong
- Deputy Chairman: Ramkarpal Singh
- Vice-Chairmen: Yeoh Soon Hin, Zairil Khir Johari.
- Secretary: Lim Hui Ying
- Assistant Secretary: H’ng Mooi Lye
- Treasurer: Teh Lai Heng
- Assistant Treasurer: Lay Hock Peng
- Organisation Secretary: Phee Boon Chee
- Assistant Organisation Secretary: Lee Wei Seang
- State Publicity Secretary: Woo Sze Zeng
- Assistant Publicity Secretary: Soon Lip Chee
- State Political Education Director: Gooi Zi Sen
- Committee Members: R.S.N. Rayer, Phee Syn Tze, Ooi Yon Woi, Teh Chuann Yen, Sundarajoo Somu, Foo Yu Keong.