PENANG caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is ready to lead the ruling coalition’s election machinery in the upcoming Penang state election.
Chow, in thanking his party’s top leadership and Pakatan Harapan president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for endorsing him as the chief minister candidate in the coming Penang state election, said he is committed to ensuring the success of the efforts and initiatives in Penang.
“It is important for us to win the people’s support in the coming Penang state election so that we can continue the state’s development.
“We want to send a message to the people that we represent unity, sustainable development, racial and societal harmony, and good governance.
“For the past 15 years, the (Pakatan Harapan) state government has been prioritising the people’s welfare. Our pro-rakyat character is manifested by what we have done for the state and its people over the past 15 years.
“We want the people to be happy under this government,” Chow told a media conference at New World Park before his walkabout today. With him were his political secretary Teh Lai Heng, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, former Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, and Penang Island City Council councillor Wong Yuee Harng.
Chow said the people were plagued by rumours and speculations recently, and the announcement (by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke) should end all rumours and speculations.
“We need to face the state election, and such speculation will not strengthen us but instead will weaken us,” he said.
Loke, in a statement, said the DAP has decided to name Chow as its chief minister candidate in the coming Penang state election.
Loke said the decision was made by a four-man team from the top leadership, including national chairman Lim Guan Eng.
“The decision has been conveyed to the Prime Minister and he has given us his blessings as the Pakatan Harapan chairman,” Loke was quoted.
Chow said he is committed to working with Federal and state agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, stakeholders, and the community to bring Penang to greater heights if the coalition is given the mandate by the voters to continue its service.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the public servants and stakeholders for their cooperation and support towards our administration, especially in facing the Covid-19 challenges and obtaining great achievements for Penang,” he said.
Separately, Chow said the DAP candidates list for the Penang state election would be ready soon.
“We have been given a bit more time to complete the list before submitting it to the national DAP leadership,” he added.
In the 2018 state election, Pakatan Harapan won 37 of the 40 seats in the Penang Legislative Assembly, with Barisan Nasional winning two and PAS one. However, following Bersatu’s exit from Pakatan Harapan, the coalition’s seats were reduced to 33.
Pakatan Harapan’s DAP held 19 seats, PKR 12, and Amanah two.
