Penang PH to discuss Umno’s position in state govt

Penang's Pakatan Harapan (PH) will convene a meeting on Saturday to deliberate upon Umno's role within the state government, announced its deputy chief Faiz Fadzil. Faiz elucidated that a decision must be made in light of Umno's hostile rhetoric against PH, notably at the recent Umno general assembly. The gathering will transpire at the Penang DAP headquarters.

Faiz recounted that Penang PH had never targeted Umno during any state-level gatherings. He further denounced several remarks made by Umno delegates during their general assembly as inappropriate and hurtful. Alongside this, PH plans to address Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zainol's appeal for continued collaboration between the Barisan Nasional (BN) and PH, citing it as constructive and advantageous for the state.

Rashidi, the sole Umno-BN figure in Penang's administration, considered this cooperation beneficial and positive.

However, Faiz clarified that PH originally intended to retain Umno within the state government, "but the circumstances have changed now". He questioned the prevailing behavior of Umno, citing their delegates' aggressive attacks on PH and the Penang government. Faiz urged Umno's executive councillor to remain sincere if they wish to continue their association with the state government.

On September 12, Permatang Pauh Umno chief Zaidi Said alleged that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's strategy of partnering with PKR was intended to undermine the party, which in turn would impact its coalition partner, DAP. He stated that DAP, perceived as Umno's primary adversary, could not be vanquished directly due to its substantial voter base. Zaidi subsequently resigned from his position as a Seberang Perai city councillor following his controversial speech.

Earlier, DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng advocated for the removal of Umno from the Penang government after BN forged a partnership with Perikatan Nasional in Negeri Sembilan. However, Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow disclosed that the state PH leadership had not yet received any directives from the central leadership on this matter.