GEORGE TOWN — Former Penang DAP vice-chairman Steven Sim has been elected as the state chapter’s chairman, confirming speculation that he would succeed Chow Kon Yeow as Penang DAP’s leader.
Sim, who is also the Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP, was selected following an internal process conducted by the newly elected 15-member state committee for the 2024-2027 term.
He secured his place in the top 15 with 1,237 votes.
Meanwhile, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh was appointed deputy chairman, despite receiving the highest number of votes in the election, with 1,247—10 more than Sim.
Earlier today, 1,466 party delegates cast their ballots to elect the state committee.
The state DAP election drew national attention after Chow’s decision not to seek re-election, following 25 years as state chapter chairman. There was widespread speculation over whether former state chapter secretary Lim Hui Ying or Sim would succeed him.
Lim secured 12th place with 827 votes. Despite her disappointing result in today’s state election, compared to her fourth-place finish in previous elections, she said she respected the delegates’ decision.
“I am still the state secretary,” she told reporters.
‘Unite to form a strong Penang DAP’
Announcing the new DAP state committee, Sim described the newly elected team as a “unity team” and urged party members to close ranks and unite for a stronger Penang DAP, for the benefit of the party and the people.
He also said that the new committee is committed to continuing the party’s legacy, as left by the previous leadership, and would support the current state government led by Chow Kon Yeow, as well as the federal government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“On the other hand, we will work hard in reflecting the voice and aspirations of the people of Penang uncompromisingly so that DAP will remain the choice of the people of Penang.
“The new state committee would start its work right away. We will hit the ground running and get down to work immediately,” he said.
Sim added he wishes to focus on ensuring the party’s success in the next state elections, expected in 2028, and on “establishing a government together,” without elaborating further about it or whether he was looking forward to becoming the next chief minister.
“All that can be discussed later. We focus on working on the ground,” he said when pressed about the Penang DAP’s convention, where the state chairman traditionally assumes the chief minister role.
Should DAP win the next state elections, Sim could become Penang’s top executive.
‘New Penang DAP state committee line-up’
Chairman: Steven Sim
Deputy chairman: Ramkarpal Singh
Vice-chairmen: Zairil Khir Johari and Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin
Secretary: Lim Hui Ying
Assistant secretary: H’ng Mooi Lye
Treasurer: Teh Lai Heng
Assistant treasurer: Lay Hock Peng
Organising secretary: Phee Boon Chee
Assistant organising secretaries: Lee Wei Seang and Lim Siew Khim
Publicity secretary: Joshua Woo
Assistant publicity secretary: Datuk Soon Lip Chee
Political education bureau director: Daniel Gooi
Committee members: RSN Rayer, Phee Syn Tze, Ooi Yong Wooi, Teh Chuann Yien, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, Foo Yu Keong
— September 22, 2024