KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 19): Tan Kok Wai and Fong Kui Lun, veteran leaders of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), said on Wednesday they are withdrawing from the party’s upcoming central executive committee election.

The committee is DAP’s highest decision-making body responsible for setting internal directions and policies, and the joint announcement by Tan and Fong comes ahead of the political party’s 18th National Congress scheduled for March 16.

Emphasising the leadership transition, the duo gave four major reasons for their decision.

"Today, DAP is blessed with many talented individuals, and we have a good leadership succession plan. Now the time has come to give more room to the new generation of leaders to play a more pivotal leadership role to propel the party to even greater heights," they said in a statement.

Tan is the party’s national adviser and Member of Parliament for Cheras, while Fong is the national treasurer and MP for Bukit Bintang.

“We have full confidence in DAP’s core leadership team,” they said. “Their strategic approach in terms of ‘party-building initiatives’ and ‘election preparedness’ reflects a well-coordinated plan and synergy between internal and external efforts, keeping pace with contemporary developments.”

Further, they pointed to the “changing political environment” and national priorities that should be “boldly pursued” by the current leadership, which has demonstrated “dynamism, seamlessly bridging the past and the future while embracing innovation and progress”.

Tan and Fong also reflected on their five-decade journey in the party, and acknowledged the sacrifices of party comrades, including the "unsung heroes" who contributed behind the scenes.

“Indeed, it is through your steadfast dedication and sacrifices that DAP is where we are today, standing strong,” Tan and Fong added. “The party belongs to all of us, and together we can all be proud of and celebrate its achievements.”