Guan Eng: Umno No Longer Brings Value to Penang Government Amid Cooperation With PN, PAS

Penang DAP assemblyman Lim Guan Eng has questioned the ongoing inclusion of Umno in the Penang unity government, stating that the party has "no more value" to the administration while simultaneously collaborating with Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PAS. He suggested that Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chow Kon Yeow has been more focused on criticizing him than addressing Umno's recent attacks on the PH coalition, suggesting Chow may fear Umno might withdraw from the state government.

Lim asserted that his previous comments were directed at Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who he accused of lacking the courage to challenge PH to remove Umno from the state government, unlike his actions at the federal level. Lim argued that Penang PH leaders should not be afraid to offend "an extremist Umno" that has spread divisive rhetoric against non-Muslim minorities and shown little inclusivity toward non-Malays.

He also highlighted Umno's claim that it contributed to DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook's defeat in the recent Negeri Sembilan election and said DAP leaders had the right to rebut Umno's allegations against PH and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Lim urged Penang PH leaders to clearly state whether Umno should remain in the state administration and convey that stance to the coalition's central leadership.

He questioned whether PH or Chow had a firm position after Umno's recent attacks during their General Assembly. Lim claimed Umno maintained its positions in the state executive council, the two city councils, and state-linked companies due to its belief that leaving would have little political impact. Even without Umno's two assemblymen, he argued, PH would still have a two-thirds majority in the Penang legislative assembly.

Lim warned that retaining Umno could harm the public perception of Penang PH's leadership, arguing that the coalition must acknowledge that "the greatest enemy is the enemy within". He urged PH Penang leaders to recognize that there is no longer any value for Umno to remain in the Penang state government when Umno can collaborate actively with PN and PAS from within.