Lim Guan Eng rebukes Penang CM Chow, disputes claim DAP delegates endorsed Umno partnership

George Town, August 14 — Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) leader Lim Guan Eng has refuted claims that his party’s decision to collaborate with Umno in the state government was discussed at last week’s DAP delegates’ meeting. Lim stressed that the gathering, presided over by secretary general Loke Siew Fook, centred solely on whether DAP should remain in the federal government or not.

He affirmed that neither he nor any delegate brought up the topic of Umno’s involvement in Penang, as the agenda was limited to deliberating the advantages and disadvantages of staying within the federal government in Putrajaya.

Lim cautioned Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow against presuming that all Penang delegates backed Chow’s decision to partner with Umno, merely because no one raised the issue during the meeting. Lim pointed out that only the secretary general had the authority to address internal party matters. He also reminded Chow that he was free to continue working with Umno despite the party’s role in Lim’s defeat in Negeri Sembilan’s Chennah seat, but warned against assuming that Penang delegates had endorsed this decision.

Lim’s comments came a day after Chow reiterated that Penang PH was committed to its decision to continue working with Barisan Nasional (BN), including Umno, despite Lim’s criticism. Chow told reporters that the decision remained Penang PH’s stance and was not contested during the state DAP engagement session, adding that “no one questioned it.”