Shah Alam: With less than 24 hours to go before the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) election, four candidates from Penang have announced their withdrawal to make way for and fully support the party's 3rd Generation (3G) leadership.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the candidates are Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, former Bagan Jermal assemblyman Datuk Soon Lip Chee, and party members K. Kalidas and PR. Kaliyappan. In a joint statement, they announced that the decision was aimed at explaining to DAP members nationwide the importance of fully supporting the 3G leadership, especially to form a strong and united leadership to face the upcoming state election and general election (GE).

The statement emphasized the successful leadership of DAP national secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook during the 2022-2025 term. It expressed full support for Loke's proposal to reshuffle the CEC to inject new spirit to face future challenges. The candidates urged all delegates to support the 3G DAP leadership to ensure a strong and united front for the elections.

They further stressed the importance of Penang DAP moving as a cohesive team to secure victory in the state for the fifth consecutive time in the upcoming state election.

Earlier, reports highlighted Loke's promise of a 'bold and big' reshuffle for the DAP CEC if re-elected, aimed at allowing different leaders to assume new roles.

A total of 70 candidates will be contending for the 30 DAP CEC seats at the party's 18th national congress at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam. The official list of main candidates includes names such as Loke, Lim Guan Eng, Gobind Singh Deo, Ramkarpal Singh, Nga Kor Ming, Chow Kon Yeow, Steven Sim Chee Keong, Chong Chieng Jen, Hannah Yeoh, Teresa Kok, Teo Nie Ching, Yeo Bee Yin, Young Syefura Othman, Lim Hui Ying, Vivian Wong, Wong Shu Qi, and Alice Lau.