Speech by DAP Penang Sate Chairman and MP for Tanjong Chow Kon Yeow at the DAP Penang State Annual Convention held on Sunday, 3rd. December 2006 at the Tanjong Bungah Beach Hotel, Penang.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, TIME FOR CHANGE IS NEAR!

The party celebrates its 40th. Anniversary this year and at this critical period of nation-building process, the DAP is still very much dedicated to the political mission for a Malaysian Malaysia.

Even as the country prepares itself for the 50 years of Merdeka next year, we are reminded of the harsh reality that national unity is still fragile.

While there may be significant socio-economic development in the country since Merdeka, her citizens are still very much divided according to race, religion, culture and languages as a result of 50 years of Barisan Nasional’s hegemonic politics of divide and rule.

We cannot be happy that despite all the abundant natural and human resources, Malaysia is still unable to occupy her rightful place among the rank of developed nations of the world.

Malaysia is found at the bottom of a list of flawed democracies in a new Democracy Index because of its poor ratings in political participation and civil liberties.

This year, Malaysia also found herself lower down in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index and the World Competitive Yearbook on Foreign Direct Investment.

Worse still, the country is embroiled in a serious dispute over ethnic equity distribution of wealth and the constitutional rights of freedom of religion for non-Muslims.

As a result of the perceived threat against Malay Agenda, the Umno General Assembly was turned into a bashing session with racially seditious speeches.

The good feeling about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has now waned as he has failed to deliver on his many promises.

Penang is not without its fair share of economic and political woes.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon was besieged by Penang Umno’s political sandiwara of the marginalization of the Malays in the State.

Dr Koh Tsu Koon’s imminent ascension as Gerakan president next year is expected to put into motion certain impact on the political scene in Penang.

Penangites are unimpressed by the State Government’s performance in managing the economy, public transportation, public security and crime, environment and the inability of the local authorities in enhancing its services to the people.

If general election is held today, many would expect the Opposition to perform better. In short, the political environment now is conducive but the question remains whether the DAP would be able to make the full use of the window of opportunity.

TIME FOR A BREAKTHROUGH

Since the last State Ordinary Convention on 27 November 2005, the State leadership took a deliberate step in strengthening the State Committee by co-opting five additional members and established many bureaus. This is to beef up our image and to allow more dedicate members to be involved in the running of the party in Penang.

The State Committee also resolved to invite top national leaders to contest in Penang as an indication of our strong desire to capture State power.

We are delighted that the Central Executive Committee has once again designated Penang as the party’s frontline State for the coming general election.

The State Committee has started preparation for the next general election which is expected to be held in 12 to 18 months.

We have initiated several programmes to build up our financial, organizational and publicity capabilities to launch our political initiatives throughout year 2007.

We would carry out large-scale fund-raising campaign to raise sufficient election fund and would focus on political training to raise an army of election workers.

We have had very good response to the Voters Registration Exercise. Since the launch in September 2006, our campaign workers have registered about 5000 new voters to date. This is expected to be one focus area over the next six to twelve months.

Our publicity works continue to be active throughout this year, focusing mainly on press conferences and statements on local and State issues. We have provided many opportunities for young leaders to project themselves in the media. Much energy was spent on the Penang website and the IT department must be commended for the good works.

The Wanita, DAPSY, branches, parliamentary liaison committees and bureaus played their roles in organizing various activities like dinners, ceramahs, training workshops, walkathon, football competition, health talk and constituency visitations throughout the year.

The party’s elected representatives continue to play an active role in Parliament and State Legislative Assembly. Comrade Karpal Singh deserves special commendation for his very spirited contribution in Parliament despite his medical conditions.

Year 2007 will be a critical year for the party as we move to achieve a breakthrough this election.

The State Committee will continue to provide the political leadership and we hope all cadres would commit wholeheartedly to our long-term political mission to capture Penang.