Press Digest - Penang snap elections still on the table

PETALING JAYA: DAP sources said a snap election in Penang has to be held soonest and the party is trying to get the consensus of its Pakatan Harapan (PH) partners based on two main reasons.
According to a report in Sin Chew Daily yesterday, first of all DAP regards the charging of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as political persecution and wants a referendum or snap polls to let Penangites decide whether they still want Lim to lead them.
"DAP believes Lim Guan Eng is highly likely to be given a jail sentence before the next general election. Hence, the party is ready to take a gamble (before it happens).
"Fingers are being pointed at Lim, with Barisan Nasional leaders calling for his resignation as chief minister, prompting DAP to seek a new mandate from the people. A snap election is a means to let the people decide whether Lim should step down or continue to lead Penang."
Secondly, the sources said, DAP wants to use the snap election as a forerunner to the 14th general election (GE14): a resounding victory can have a domino effect and reverse the Opposition's declining fortune.
"A new five-year mandate from Penang voters will boost the morale of Pakatan, which had taken a beating in the two recent parliamentary by-elections and the Sarawak state polls earlier this year.
"DAP has also taken into consideration the possibility of a backlash on Barisan Nasional should Lim be found guilty for corruption and sent to prison, which augurs well for Pakatan in GE14 (if it is held soon enough)," the sources added.
Asked why PKR is hesitant about giving its thumbs-up for a snap election, the sources said the party is perhaps worried about losing its Malay voters although DAP is confident Pakatan can retain their support.