To be or not to be

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LIM Guan Eng and DAP Penang have called for a snap election and are trying to get their Pakatan Harapan allies on board. It’s obvious the ruling opposition party has chosen to solve a personal problem with a political solution. But is it worth it? That’s the big question.

Try asking the DAP bigwigs and they will definitely tell you their calculated risk of calling for the Penang State Assembly to be dissolved to pave the way for an early vote falls within an acceptable range.

Try asking the PKR pooh-bahs and they will most likely ask back ‘why the rush?’

Try asking Penang voters and they will most certainly come up with views that differ among the sub-ethnic groups, age groups, social class as well as urban and rural areas.

The Oriental Daily columnist has this to say: “As a Penangite, especially from the Adibudi region, I am very concerned about the political situation in my home state. As such, my address on my MyKad has not been changed since – so as not to be disenfranchised.

During the last elections, due to work, I could not return home to vote and had to fulfil my civic duty via post. If there were really to be a snap election, would I return home to vote? It’s a straightforward question with only two options – yes or no? It’s my principle to not give up my voting right but another point to consider is will it be worthwhile voting?”

DAP has launched propaganda campaigns to get public opinion on its side for the snap election it wants to hold so badly. The party CEC member Liew Chin Tong has lumped a variety of topics together to make a case for the early ballot, even equating it to a ‘referendum’ – apparently on Lim’s chief ministership. But such an approach cuts little ice with most of the voters.

Political opponents have stepped up their onslaught against DAP, putting the party on the defensive. Although this might not make a big enough chink in DAP’s armour, it’s, nonetheless, enough to put the party on tenterhooks in its stronghold state.

Understandably, after tasting power, the thought of being relegated to the ranks of opposition again is no longer the cup of tea for a political party, and DAP is no exception. Any ruling party would want to nail down its  grip on power come what may.

Usually, a snap election only occurs under two extreme circumstances – at the most favourable moment (everything to gain) to the ruling party or the most unfavourable moment (no choice) to the ruling party.

DAP believes by keeping Penang, it can launch its bid from the island state to take over Putrajaya through working cheek by jowl with Pakatan Harapan in the next general election. But for DAP specifically, it’s quite clear calling the snap election has everything to do with maintaining its grip on power in Penang for another  five years.

Such a stance is understandable but what has also drawn criticisms is DAP’s inability to rocket into the sky with the same virtually unconstrained impetus and thrust as before. Although keeping power in Penang is the most realistic way to stabilise the party’s position in the political arena, for some ‘conditional’ supporters, this is not a good argument.

For those who support a ‘regime change’ but still hold with Lim Guan Eng’s political style, the question is will they still support to keep DAP in power in Penang when the actual crunch comes?

There are also many issues to consider in the event of a snap election such as possible low voters turnout, the triangular war (DAP, PKR and PAS), the disadvantages against Pakatan Harapan and BN pouring significant resources to prep for the electoral battle royal.

People have, however, suggested for a ‘post-Lim period’ team to develop and improve voters’  approbation of the party. This should not only be to attenuate a glorified (perhaps overly) personal image and prioritise the paramountcy of the team and party but also set the tone for development of Penang over the next five years.

DAP is trying to interpret and explain the situation from different angles but frankly, I am still not completely convinced. A snap election is its last option but has the situation reached that point yet? DAP is keen to find out – that’s why it’s pressing the Harapan Rakyat components for a snappy answer on calling an election so much earlier than scheduled. (From Oriental Daily).