PETALING JAYA – Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong has confirmed that he will be defending his seat on the party’s central executive committee (CEC) in the upcoming election scheduled for next month.
Khoo, who currently serves as the Kota Melaka MP, was appointed as Melaka DAP chairman in November 2022. He previously represented the Ayer Keroh constituency as an assemblyman from 2008 to 2018 before being elected as Kota Melaka MP in 2018. Additionally, he was appointed chairman of the Melaka Port Authority in September 2023.
Alongside Khoo, other prominent leaders who will be defending their posts include DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, national chairman Lim Guan Eng, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, and former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto. Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh is also confirmed to be vying for a spot on the CEC.
Several senior party members, including national adviser Tan Kok Wai, national treasurer Fong Kui Lun, and veteran Phee Boon Poh, have announced their withdrawal from the race.
The upcoming election is expected to see strong female representation, with around 15 women standing for positions on the CEC. Notable candidates include party veteran Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Tanjung MP and deputy finance minister Lim Hui Ying, youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh, deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching, Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin, and Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi.
Other female contenders include Lanang MP and Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Alice Lau, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, and Damansara Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
The DAP CEC election is anticipated to be a closely watched event as the party positions itself for future political challenges and leadership renewal.