BUTTERWORTH, July 27 – Satees Muniandy, the former Assemblyman of Bagan Dalam, has alleged the existence of individuals akin to “maharajas” within DAP who unilaterally decide on the list of candidates to contest in the upcoming Penang state election on August 12. While declining to name the specific individuals involved, Satees referred to these DAP leaders as “maharajas,” suggesting they wield their power to make decisions disregarding the list issued by the party’s secretary-general and approved by the state DAP.
He claimed that Penang is facing danger due to the actions of these “maharajas,” as many former ADUNs and Exco members have become victims when their names were dropped despite their excellent track records and service. I believe the list released by the secretary-general yesterday was not agreed upon by the state… Although they claim it is a decision by the top five leaders or the Central Executive Committee (CEC), I believe it is the decision of one individual, driven by personal interests, he stated during a press conference at his office in Butterworth on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Sinar Harian reported that five Penang DAP government Exco members were dropped from the list of candidates to contest in the upcoming state election. The dropped Exco members include Phee Boon Poh, Exco for Environment and Community Welfare; Chong Eng, Exco for Social Development and Non-Islamic Affairs; Soon Lip Chee, Exco for Youth and Sports; Yeoh Soon Hin, Exco for Tourism and Creative Industries; and P Ramasamy, Deputy Chief Minister II and Exco for Human Capital Development, Education, Science, and Technology.
Additionally, Satees’ name was also excluded, along with Pulau Tikus Assemblyman Chis Lee Chun Kit and Seri Delima Assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid. Elaborating further, Satees stated that he accepts not being listed as a candidate in the upcoming election but expressed disappointment as the reasons provided by the party did not align with their actions. He found it puzzling that six out of the seven ADUNs dropped by the party had previously expressed support for Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s leadership. They claim to be undergoing a party rejuvenation process, opting for ‘young blood,’ yet I am only 38 years old, and my tenure as an ADUN is only one term,” he said.
Satees expressed his surprise that individuals nominated to replace him are aged 45 or older and some have served for more than three terms. He speculated that perhaps not being a “driver” or a “bag carrier” for certain leaders led to his name being dropped. “While some might think I am speaking out of disappointment for not being nominated, I accept this decision, but I will not remain silent and will continue to voice my opinions because that’s just my way,” he asserted.
