PH sedia hadapi cabaran besar BN-PN di Pulau Pinang, kata Chow

Pakatan Harapan (PH) Pulau Pinang has prepared itself to face a significant challenge from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), according to their Chief Secretary Chow Kon Yeow. The BN-PN victory in 24 out of 28 DUN seats in Melaka's recent PRN election demonstrates the potential strength of these two coalitions, which may pose a considerable challenge to PH in Pulau Pinang.

According to him, the influence of BN-PN could spread to parts of the island, including Nibong Tebal, Kepala Batas, and Bukit Mertajam, before reaching the wider Pulau Pinang region.

PH views this electoral result as a threat to their strength and support, as well as the state government's backing. However, PH will not downplay this challenge. They will take immediate steps to ensure readiness for the upcoming PRN, remarked Chow during a press conference. Chow, who is also the Chief Minister, emphasized that PH must work hard in the months leading up to the general election to fulfill their promises to the people and maintain their support.

In Melaka's PRN, BN and PN secured 24 out of 28 DUN seats, while PH only won four seats, all of which were won by DAP.

Chow also criticized the current political situation, where parties working together in the federal and state governments are competing at the state level. PH and BN are partners in the federal and Selangor, Pulau Pinang, Perak, and Pahang state governments, but PH fell short in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, which are ruled by BN. This is a new political scenario in Malaysia, he noted.

Meanwhile, Chow also condemned PAS President Hadi Awang's statement regarding non-Islamic leadership during a campaign rally in Melaka, stating that it cannot be accepted as Hadi did not apologize. Despite PAS issuing a statement to clarify his remarks, Chow cannot accept them until Hadi apologizes, he said. During the BN-PN campaign rally in Bukit Katil, Melaka, Hadi claimed that an Islamic government is unjust and that non-Islamic people cannot be trusted, urging Muslims to fulfill their responsibility to vote, as their non-participation would allow others to govern and act according to their own considerations. This statement sparked controversy, leading to a police report against Hadi.