GEORGE TOWN: There was no movement to topple Chow Kon Yeow as Penang chief minister, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
He said it was just speculation reported by the media and the DAP leadership was clear and firm in its decision to support Chow as chief minister.
“Before the last state election, support was given to Chow as the chief minister candidate.
“He led the election campaign and successfully maintained 19 state seats for Penang DAP,” Loke said at a press conference after opening the state party convention in Komtar here yesterday.
DAP did not lose any seats during the state polls. With the Pakatan Harapan parties together with Barisan Nasional, the government bench holds a majority of 29 out of 40 seats in Penang.
According to Loke, any concerns about a move to oust Chow were baseless.
He said Chow had the support of the DAP central executive committee.
Loke said what was important now is for Chow to work on his succession plan and choose the candidate to replace him after the next general election.
According to the Penang state constitution, an assemblyman may only be chosen to become the chief minister for two terms – it is the only state in Malaysia with this law.
Talk and speculation that Chow would not be chosen as the chief minister candidate had been simmering about a month before the state election.
It persisted even after Chow was sworn in as chief minister after the polls.
Loke also encouraged Penang’s government backbenchers to freely ask questions during the state assembly meeting which continues today.
It is the first state assembly meeting since the state election.
“They are free to raise any issues and Chow and the state exco will respond.
“It is not only allowed but expected. If our backbenchers have questions, they should raise them and there are no limitations,” Loke added.
