Penang state polls: Chong Eng regrets being dropped as candidate

GEORGETOWN - Penang Social Development and Non-Muslim Affairs Exco Chong Eng has expressed unhappiness over being dropped as a candidate in the upcoming state polls expected to be held next month.

Chong, also DAP Women chief, said the decision made by the party on Tuesday was a turning point for her in her political career since 1995 when she was the sole opposition in the Penang State Legislative Assembly at the time.

"I am still healthy, and my children are all grown up; I have more time and energy to serve and contribute," she said in a statement today.

The mother of two served three terms as Bukit Mertajam MP from 1999 to 2008 and was a Perai state assemblyman before winning the Padang Lalang state legislative assembly seat.

She said, as exco for Social Development and Non-Muslim Affairs, she has drawn up a five-year plan to help more women, especially in rural areas.

She added that improving economic capabilities could increase household income for their children to continue their higher education.

"Not being able to continue and complete this initiative is my biggest regret.

"But although I'm not happy about it, we must focus on winning the state polls so that we can continue to progress further for the benefit of Malaysians who are made up of various races, men and women, young and old," she said.

She urged voters to support DAP, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates to ensure Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow will continue to lead Penang.