The question came about as Karpal, also the Bukit Gelugor MP, has been voicing his concerns and proposals frequently through the media.

Taman Alma branch chief David Marshall ask if Karpal was given enough chances to raise his proposals in the CEC as the veteran leader often had to sought media attention to publicise his thoughts.

"This is controversial but I am not here to criticise anyone. I am referring to Karpal's one candidate one seat proposal in the media," said Marshall, during the convention's debate session.

NONE"Maybe, he was not allowed to speak up in the CEC. Even the party's media organ Rocketkini has not given him a chance to publicised his proposal in the paper," claimed Marshall.
When asked, state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow (left) said the delegate raised the point in the context that Karpal was seen speaking very often raised in the media.

"In the CEC, Karpal has raised the issue of one candidate one seat many times.

"In the coming national congress in Penang on Dec 15 and 16, there will be a resolution for delegates to decide on the matter, and it will be tabled by the CEC so that delegates can take a position," added Chow.

Policy exemption for Guan Eng

In his previous press conferences, Karpal had said that the policy should be implemented but secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng should be exempted from it.

Another delegate, Tan Ah Huat from Kuala Juru, expressed his support for Karpal's proposal, saying that it would be unfair to allow a candidate to contest two seats when the party has "many talents".

Batu Lanchang delegate Lee Ken Loon urged leaders to raise issues using the proper channels and not the media, which he observed, during the election period, are often told to "lean to one side".

Bagan Dalam assemblyman raised the issue of veteran leaders not given enough recognition especially at the party's new headquarters in Jalan Rangoon, which lacks any acknowledgement of not only of the living but past members.

He also urged the state to name one of the roads Peter Paul Dason - the deceased former DAP former Bayan Baru MP - to remember the veteran leader's contribution to Penang.

The Penang government, upon assuming power in the state had named a road after one of its veteran leader. P Patto.

Responding to the issue, Chow said that during the launch of Wisma DAP, the new building, the party has presented a medal to veteran leaders who have served for more than 30 years.

"At the coming congress, the party will also present veteran members with a special gift," he added, without revealing what the present is.

Chow also said that the party had recommended 'datukships" to several veteran members who had contributed much to society, but two out of the three had passed on, and the remaining person is rather advanced in age.

State DAP secretary Ng Wei Aik urged party members to contribute photos and other "antique" resources to the party so they can be put up at Wisma DAP's gallery.

DAP truly ready for GE?

Meanwhile, despite the party's confidence level in winning the 13th general election, which must be called by May next year, a delegate asked if members and leaders were truly ready.

"Are we 100 percent sure of winning the state? Are you saying that BN candidates are going to lose their deposits?" asked Amal Dass, an observer from Taman Inderawasih.

Delegates also asked for more opportunities for women and youth members in the party.

NONEJelutong DAP Socialist Youth chief Daniel Gooi urged the party to continue to field young candidates in the coming polls, as several leaders are "retiring" from the wing, like RSN Rayer (Seri Delima) and Ng Wei Aik (wing chief and Komtar assemblyman).

When replying to this, Chow praised wanita chief Chong Eng's (left) effort to increase the strength of women members in the party, saying more will be done to field them as candidates.

On the Youth candidacy, Chow said "Guan Eng and I also originated from the Youth wing, so it is not a problem (to field young candidates)".