GEORGETOWN - It is common for audiences to leave towards the end of a talk during a political campaign, said Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said there was nothing odd seeing the audience leave for home when it gets late, adding that the "practice" has been happening for a long time.
"It's always been like that; as the night goes older, people will leave. I'm usually the last speaker; almost half or a quarter (of the audience) in the hall will be empty.
"The audience will gradually go home because it is late because most of the talks are held at night.
"Therefore, the lack of audience at the end of the talk (even though the speakers are famous leaders) is normal," he said at Bayan Lepas today.
When asked to comment on a viral photo on social media depicting a Pakatan Harapan (PH) talk at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce with half of the seats empty, Chow responded by stating that it is not unusual for attendees to arrive late and that the important thing is that they eventually show up.
There were also allegations of people leaving the event after a well-known DAP leader appeared to speak.
Responding to the empty seats at the talk, Chow, also the Penang PH Chairman, said that the audience now prefers watching online rather than attending the hall.
"We broadcast live on Facebook, which has a wider reach than physical attendance. This is becoming the new norm, but regardless of the platform, we must work hard to reach our target audience.
"Plus, yesterday (Saturday) was just the first day. We have 14 more days involving various activities.
"Many candidates have already started campaigning to meet voters," he said again.
Chow expressed his positive outlook on the voter support for Penang PH in the state polls.
He noted that the response received during the two-day campaign was highly encouraging.
"This morning, I was at the opening of the Perai Service Center and visited the Chai Leng Park Market. The reception was excellent. Besides, the programme in Bayan Baru was also well received, but I don't want to be too confident.
"People already know the party more than the candidates. That is our advantage. Our branding is strong because we have been in government for 15 years," he said.
Meanwhile, checks on Penang DAP's Facebook found that 16,700 viewers watched the PH Talk, which started at 8pm.
Previously, DAP announced its 19 candidates for the state elections.
Seven of its state assemblymen were dropped, including five former exco. Former Penang Deputy Chief Minister and DAP Deputy Chairman P Ramasamy are among them.
Ramasamy, in response, described the existence of "unseen hands" behind selecting the party's candidate for the state polls.