-- courtesy to
nstonlineGEORGE TOWN, Sat:
After 36 years of continuous rule, the Barisan Nasional lost the Penang Government to the loose alliance of DAP, PKR and Pas tonight. The coalition failed to topple Pas in Kelantan but was instead ousted in Kedah, Selangor and Perak where the loose coalition will form the next state governments.
In George Town, Penang chief minister designate Lim Guan Eng said the DAP, which won all 19 seats in contested, will form the new state government with Parti Keadilan Rakyat."
We hope that the Pas elected representative we can help this new government. We pledge that we will be fair, just and not discrinminate against anyone," he said. "The party also hoped the BN will seriously play their role as a responsible and constructive opposition."
Speaking at a press conference at 12.30am, Lim said he would be meet state secretary Datuk Jamaludin Hasan to discuss the formation of the new state government today.
He said the new state exco lineup will be announced after that.
Lim said the DAP wished to thank Penang voters for their incredible support for the party and PKR in the general election."
The people of Penang have created history by allowing the opposition parties to form the state government. We are humbled by the support shown in all the seats we contested. We will not disappoint the people of Penang," he said. "The party pledged to form a government of unity that would respect basic human rights and political equality."
Lim said the opposition here won the election by preaching love of democracy, peace and racial harmony."
We want to turn a new chapter and urge everyone to respect the wishes of the people of Penang. By putting democracy as the centerpiece of governance, we will consult with relevant groups and parties in Penang to get their input and views," he said.
Lim said he hoped the voters would now unite and give the party time, trust and opportunity to realise our promises made in our Penang state general election manifesto to make Penang dynamic again.
DAP won all 19 state and seven parliamentary seats it contested, PKR won nine state and four parliamentary seats while Pas only secured one state seat.
The DAP won the Sungai Puyu, Bagan Jermal, Bagan Dalam, Berapit, Padang Lalang, Prai, Jawi, Tanjung Bungah, Air Putih, Pulau Tikus, Padang Kota, Pengkalan Kota, Komtar, Datuk Keramat, Sungai Pinang, Batu Lanchang, Seri Delima, Air Itam and Paya Terubong state seats.
The parliament seats it won were Bagan, Bukit Mertajam, Batu Kawan, Bukit Bendera, Tanjung, Jelutong and Bukit Gelugor.
PKR won the Pantai Jerejak, Kebun Bunga, Bukit Tengah, Bukit Tambun, Batu Uban, Pulau Betong, Bertam, Batu Uban and Batu Maung state seats and Bayan Baru, Permatang Pauh, Nibong Tebal and Balik Pulau parliamentary seats.
Pas on the other hand only managed to retain the Permatang pasir state seat.
BACKGROUND OF PREVIOUS OPPOSITION PENANG GOVERNMENT
Following the May 13, 1969 riots which ensued from the general elections, parliamentary rule was suspended and the government was taken over by the National Operations Council. It was only in April 1971 that the democratic government was restored. Gerakan joined the ruling coalition on February 13, 1972 and has continued to govern Penang till tonight.
