KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 — Penang DAP has axed several veterans for the general election, announcing today a candidate list that includes eight first-time candidates, mostly those who have served in the state’s local authorities.

Among the notable names dropped include incumbents Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi, Tanjong Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lau Keng Eei and Bagan Dalam assemblyman A. Tanasekharan.

State DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow announced the full list today at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel along the Gurney Drive promenade.

Among the new candidates were Seberang Perai Municipal Council(MPSP) councillors H’ng Mooi Kye, who will contest in Jawi, and Satees Muniady who will take over Bagan Dalam.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s personal assistant, Heng Lee Lee, will be fielded in Berapit.

Penang Island City Council (MPPP) councillors Syerleena Abd Rashid, Lee Chun Kit and Joseph Ng Soon Siang will contest in Seri Delima, Pulau Tikus and Air Itam, respectively.

Incumbent Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer will be promoted to Ooi’s Jelutong seat.

As previously announced, incumbent Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari will move to the Teh’s Tanjong Bungah state seat while Wong Hon Hai will take over the federal seat.

State DAP chief Chow will return to the Tanjong federal constituency to take Ng’s place plus defend his Padang Kota state seat.

DAP is sending Ong Ah Teong to the Lanchang state seat while aide to Jagdeep Singh Deo, Gooi Zi Sen, will replace Lau in Pangkalan Kota.

Bagan Jermal incumbent and two term exco leader Lim Hock Seng, who will not be fielded, will be replaced by Seberang Prai Municipal council member Soon Lip Chee.

Despite speculation that she will also be dropped, Chow announced today that incumbent Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto will defend her seat.

Guan Eng will keep both Bagan and the Air Putih state seat.

“We hope that the responsibility placed upon your shoulders can be promptly executed, so that effort from those working on the ground will carry meaning and be worth it,” Guan Eng told the candidates during the event.

“This is so that the government and people can reach development, strength and wellness.”

DAP will contest in 19 out of the 40 state seats and seven of the 13 parliamentary seats.

The announcement was also broadcast live on Facebook.