KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement that Chow Kon Yeow will step down as the Penang DAP chairman will not affect the state's government, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Loke said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 4) that he is aware of Chow's announcement that he (Chow) will not contest in the upcoming state DAP party elections after 25 years as its chairman.
"He (Chow) said that he will not defend his position as Penang DAP chairman by withdrawing from the upcoming state party elections on September 22. I respect his decision and stance for reform in the Penang DAP leadership as he led the state DAP committee for 25 years.
"Before today's announcement, he had discussed his wishes with me," he said.
Loke said that Chow's decision does not affect the administration of the Penang government.
"He will continue to hold the position of Penang Chief Minister until the end of this term in accordance with the provision of the State Constitution which limits the position of Chief Minister to a maximum of two terms," he said.
Chow on Wednesday (Sept 4) said he has received a letter from the party dated Aug 27 that he was nominated to contest in the state party elections on Sept 22.
"After due consideration, I have decided not to accept the nomination,” he said in a press conference in Komtar.
Chow said that when he was appointed as the chief minister for the second term after the state elections last year, Loke had instructed him to work on a succession plan.
"I am taking the first step in this succession plan,” he said.
