PENANG Pakatan Harapan must now start preparing for the state elections since the ministers and deputy ministers have been appointed to the unity government, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the Bukit Gelugor Parliamentary Thanksgiving Dinner at the SMJK (C) Han Chiang hall tonight, Chow said it was important to plan election strategies, rather than wait for the announcement of the state elections which is expected to be held in the next few months.
“It is just the beginning. We need to prepare for the state election to defend our seats. The fighting spirit must continue.
“Although the DAP did quite well by winning 40 seats in the recent 15th General Election, the loss of some support by friendly parties shows that we may face a big challenge in the state election.
“So, it is time to devote ourselves to defend the three Pakatan Harapan states, namely Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan,” Chow said in his speech.
He also thanked all the supporters and leaders for working hard during the General Election.
The thanksgiving dinner was hosted by Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who successfully defended his parliamentary seat and was also appointed as the deputy Law Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
“None of this could have been possible without the support and dedication of my team, supporters, MPKKs and family members. For that, I am very thankful.
“I am confident that under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, we will go to greater heights,” Ramkarpal said.
He also paid tribute to his late father, Datuk Seri Utama Karpal Singh, for being his inspiration.
He recalled that after the death of his father in 2014, he stood for election and has never looked back since.
Also present at the thanksgiving dinner were Ramkarpal’s mother Datin Seri Utama Gurmit Singh, veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who was appointed the deputy Education Minister, state executive councillors Jagdeep Singh and Yeoh Soon Hin, Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi.