GEORGE TOWN, Aug 17 — DAP central executive committee member Chow Kon Yeow today told Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli to respect the party and its delegates’ decision to remain in the unity government.
Chow said this was a basic principle following Rafizi’s comments on the resolution adopted at DAP’s congress yesterday.
“We ask Rafizi to respect DAP and the decision of its delegates. That is the basic thing to do, isn’t it?” he told reporters after launching the public participation programme for the Draft Penang Structure Plan 2040 here.
Yesterday, Bersama leader Rafizi was reported saying that DAP’s decision to remain in the unity government was expected, claiming it was difficult for any political party that had “enjoyed” power to simply give it up.
Asked about claims that attendance at the DAP congress was below 50 per cent, Chow said the gathering remained valid as it had met the party’s quorum requirement.
He said at least 25 per cent of eligible delegates were required for the congress to proceed.
“We had more than 50 per cent and met the quorum requirement,” he said.
“Attendance at party elections is usually around 60 to 70 per cent, while voter turnout in a general election does not necessarily reach the full number either.
“So, does that mean our general election is invalid because only 65 per cent came out to vote? No,” he added.
On Rafizi’s remarks that Penang’s limited land supply had affected state revenue compared with states such as Johor, Chow said the state government had always planned for land development.
He said land acquisition and the opening up of land for development were ongoing for various purposes, including industrial use.
“The reclassification of rural areas as urban areas is also one method of rezoning land use in Penang,” he said.
“The state government maximises the use of existing land to ensure that development delivers the greatest impact for the state, taking into account Penang’s strengths and constraints,” he added.
