Steven Sim as Penang chief minister or DAP sec-gen? Podcast shows speculate

Two podcast shows focused on Steven Sim Chee Keong’s election as Penang DAP chief in the recently concluded state polls.

The hosts of both shows saw Sim as a formidable chief minister for Penang.

Keluar Sekejap co-host Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar speculated on Sim being the future CM or even the party secretary general at the national level to the point that it rattles the Malay based parties.

“This gives an opportunity for Sim to be the next secretary general after Anthony,” he said in reference to the current DAP secretary general Anthony Loke.

“Malay parties will face difficulties if Steven Sim becomes the secretary general and Zairil (Khir Johari) is appointed Chief Minister. That would be a game changer.”

Zairil obtained the fourth highest vote in the state polls. He is also of Malay – Chinese parentage.

For the record, Penang has always been led by a chief minister from the Chinese community.

Co-host Shahril Hamdan agreed that the rise of Sim in Penang shows that the DAP is evolving despite having a perception issue with the Malay community.

Sembang Pokok co-host Satees Muniandy meanwhile urged DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng who is also Air Puteh assemblyman to make way for Steven Sim to gain experience as a state assemblyman.

“Sim has no state experience. He should go to state assembly to gain experience. Lim should give up Air Puteh for Sim to be ordinary assemblyman.

“Let him get the experience of the state assembly,” said the former DAP man who is now in Urimai.

On another note, Satees said that of the 15 who were voted as the new committee in Penang DAP, only four belonged to Lim Guan Eng’s team.

For the record, Sim is Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP.