'A mix of Guan Eng and I': Chow's ideal candidate as his successor

'A mix of Guan Eng and I': Chow's ideal candidate as his successor


Published: Sep 7, 2024 3:46 PM


After Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that he would not be defending his state DAP chief post, speculation is rife on who would succeed him in the government and state party chapter.

To this, Chow said the next Penang chief minister and state DAP chief must possess two qualities - a mix of his accommodative approach and DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng’s outspoken nature.

“As the opposition, we did a lot of shouting. But if you are in government, it’s time for you to act and deliver,” Singapore-based The Straits Times reported him as saying.

However, Chow did not comment on who he thought would succeed him on both posts.

On Sept 4, Chow announced that he would not be defending his state party position in the upcoming state party committee election.

DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng


"On Aug 27, I received a letter from DAP regarding my nomination to contest in the state committee election scheduled for Sept 22.

"After due consideration, I have decided not to accept the nomination," he was reported as saying.

As of now, speculation is rife that among those aspiring for the Penang DAP chief post are Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

Hui Ying is Guan Eng’s sister while Sim is Penang DAP vice-chief.

Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying (left) and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim


In the same report, an unnamed Penang DAP grassroots leader said that someone with a more aggressive approach than Chow would be needed to take on the opposition.

"Chow is a mild man (who is) acceptable to all. But facing the ‘Green Wave’ onslaught, we need a bad cop who can be a strong figure to hit back,” he was quoted as saying.

He spoke on the condition of anonymity as the issue is a sensitive one within the party, the report stated.

The “Green Wave” refers to PAS’ gains in the 15th general election, which saw it win the most seats in the Parliament.

The Islamist party also made inroads in Penang, which was previously considered a Pakatan Harapan stronghold.


No ‘lame duck’ leader

On that note, Chow dismissed notions that he would be a “lame duck” leader following his decision not to seek re-election.

“I don’t think it’s a matter of (being a) lame duck. I will continue to push the government machinery (to work),” he said.

However, Chow acknowledged that he may be rendered ineffective if the party continues to block him from pursuing his Penang 2030 vision.

Regardless, Chow said he would fall in line with the party’s decisions should DAP have good reason to halt his goal for Penang to become a developed state by 2030.

Until then, Chow reiterated that he would keep pushing his plans for the state, including better digital services, increased ratings on the Happiness in Penang Index and raising the state’s liveability, economy and civic participation.