Chow stresses Penang Pakatan unity, BN exco retained as coalition eyes next GE

George Town, Aug 8 — Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) has made a decision to continue retaining the Barisan Nasional (BN) state executive councillor in the state administration until the forthcoming general election (GE), announced its chairman Chow Kon Yeow. This decision came about at the Penang PH meeting held on the same day, guided by the electoral pact between PH and BN established during the 2023 state election.

"Looking ahead to the next GE, we envision opportunities to enhance cooperation among the constituent parties, and expedite the reform agenda that underpins PH's struggle," Chow relayed during a press conference following the chairmanship of the Penang PH meeting at Wisma DAP. BN executive councillor, State Rural Development, Agrotechnology and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, will remain in the role.

Chow, also the Chief Minister, highlighted that Penang PH had learned from the outcomes of the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. The PH administration aimed to scrutinize each seat in the state from multiple angles prior to the 16th GE. Strengthening its political narrative was another priority for PH, which included acknowledging weaknesses, leveraging digital platforms more effectively, and engaging more closely with the burgeoning Undi18 voter group.

Chow expressed confidence in the coalition's strength, citing the stability and integrity of the state administration, as well as its endeavors to stimulate economic growth, attract investments, create jobs, and implement policies that favor the populace. However, he cautioned against complacency regarding the coalition's performance, as public perceptions and sentiments frequently shift more rapidly than concrete facts.

In the 2023 Penang state election, PH and BN formed the Unity Government, securing 29 of the 40 state seats contested. DAP won all 19 seats they contested, PKR claimed seven, Amanah one, and BN two.