Penang: PH - Umno cooperation to be maintained in state government

Penang's Pakatan Harapan (PH) government has decided to maintain its cooperation with the Barisan Nasional-United Malays National Organisation (BN-Umno) in the state administration. This decision came despite pressure to exclude Umno from the state government following the recent election results in Negri Sembilan and Johor. Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow stated that the agreement includes retaining BN Exco member Datuk Rashidi Zinol, who holds various portfolios in the Penang Government administration.

Chow emphasized that the electoral pact established during the 2023 state election is only with BN. The PH government also acknowledged the stance from the national level that the unity government would remain until the next general election. Chow stated that PH cannot feel too confident with the state's good administration record but needs to strengthen its strategy for the upcoming general election.

He highlighted the importance of effective communication to translate success into support at the ballot box. Chow also stressed the need for PH Penang to strengthen cooperation between coalition parties and accelerate reform agenda, including economic reforms, governance, and strengthening institutions and the rule of law. The PH government is also focusing on controlling the digital space to counter racist narratives and hate politics while paying attention to the growing number of young voters, including the Undi18 generation.

Chow emphasized the importance of the team working together with the same goal to ensure Penang remains a strong bastion of PH and a stronghold for the people's confidence, ready to expand support and build momentum for victory ahead of the next general election.