Chow hits back at Rafizi, says DAP’s decision to stay must be respected

Penang Chief Minister and DAP veteran Chow Kon Yeow has rebuked former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, urging Rafizi to acknowledge the decision made by DAP delegates to stay in the MADANI national unity government. Chow, a seasoned DAP member, emphasized that the resolution passed at the party’s special congress represented the grassroots' decision and should be respected as a fundamental political principle.

"It's crucial to respect the decision made by our delegates," he stated. "We ask Rafizi to respect DAP and its delegates, don't we?" He made these remarks while launching the public participation program for the Draft Penang Structure Plan 2040, prepared by the PlanMalaysia Department, formerly known as the Town and Country Planning Department.

DAP holds five federal ministerial positions and has 40 MPs in the MADANI unity government. Rafizi, who is currently leading Bersatu following his departure from PKR, had recently suggested that DAP’s decision to remain in the unity government was anticipated, stating that it was challenging for any political party with "power" to simply relinquish it.

Chow also dismissed claims that the attendance at the DAP congress was below 50%, asserting that the gathering was valid as it fulfilled the party's quorum requirement. He noted that a minimum of 25% of eligible delegates were necessary for the congress to take place. "We had more than 50% and met the quorum requirement," he affirmed.

"Attendance at party elections typically ranges from 60 to 70%, while voter turnout in general elections doesn't necessarily reach the entire electorate. So, does that mean our general election is invalid because only 65% voted? No," he added. Rafizi's assertion that Penang's limited land supply had impacted state revenue compared to states like Johor was countered by Chow, who pointed out that the revised structure plan accounted for new development projects that could boost the state's revenue potential.

He highlighted that land acquisition and opening up land for development were ongoing for various purposes, including industrial use. "Reclassification of rural areas as urban areas is a method of rezoning land use in Penang," he added. "The state government optimizes the use of existing land to ensure that development delivers the maximum benefit for the state, taking into account Penang's strengths and limitations."