PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has officially announced that he will not be defending his position as the Penang DAP chairman in the upcoming state party election.
Chow explained that his decision was made after thorough and careful consideration.
“Actually, I have received a letter from national DAP dated Aug 27, and I have been nominated to contest in the state party election, which is scheduled to be held on Sept 22.
“But after due consideration, I have decided not to accept the nomination.
“When I was reappointed as Chief Minister following the state election in 2023, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook instructed me to work on a succession plan.
“As such, today I have decided to take the first step on this succession plan to make way for the new leader to be elected as the new Penang DAP chairman in the upcoming state party election,” Chow announced during a press conference in Komtar today.
Also present was Chief Minister political secretary Lau Keng Ee.
Chow stressed that the timing is perfect because the new state party chairman will have more than three years to lead and prepare the party to face the next general election.
“I trust that delegates will elect a strong Penang DAP state committee to continue the party’s political mission in Penang on Sept 22.
“At the same time, I also want to take this opportunity to record my appreciation to the party and members for supporting me and giving me this opportunity to serve as the Penang DAP chairman for the past 25 years.
“Above all, I am indebted to the people of Penang for their great support and fighting spirit in the journey together with me during my tenure as state party chairman,” he added.
When asked if the new state party chairman might replace him as chief minister during this term, Chow said he would leave it to the party to decide.
“As far as I can remember, Anthony Loke previously mentioned that I would serve as chief minister for the full term. Nevertheless, I am still a DAP national vice-chairman,” he said.