After a series of bruising state defeats, Pakatan Harapan Penang says Barisan Nasional’s sole state executive councillor in the state administration will remain. Penang Chief Minister and State PH Chairman Chow Kon Yeow said “In Penang, we need to spark a new wave that restores public confidence in PH across the country”.
Chow noted that the state-level decision aligns directly with the official stance established at the federal level by both the BN President and PH Chairman, who agreed to maintain their political partnership until the end of the 15th Parliament term.
“That is the official position of Pakatan Harapan and UMNO. At the state level, there are no statements contradicting this stance,” he explained.
The meeting follows recent political shifts in Negeri Sembilan and Johor following the last state elections. Addressing the road ahead, Chow highlighted that today’s consensus marks a turning point toward a more aggressive, well-structured, and disciplined political movement ahead of upcoming elections.
In response to political analysts suggesting that PH risks losing Malay-majority seats in the state, Chow reaffirmed PH’s determination not only to defend its current mandate but also to expand its seat count.
Recent analysis by political expert Dr. Wong Chin Huat highlighted Bayan Lepas and Batu Maung as potential swing seats that could be targeted by opposition pacts. Pengkhususan demographics show Malay voters account for 63.6 percent in Bayan Lepas and 53.1 percent in Batu Maung. Concurrently, academician Dr. Azmil Tayeb noted that economic performance alone would no longer guarantee voter support in Penang.
Responding directly to these analyses, Chow asserted that defending Bayan Lepas—currently held by Deputy State Assembly Speaker Dato’ Azrul Mahathir Aziz (Amanah)—and Batu Maung, held by Dr. Mohamad (PKR), remains a primary responsibility for the state coalition.
