Chow will not recontest Penang DAP polls, paving way for new chair

Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow has announced that he will not be defending his state party position in the upcoming state party committee election.

"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 said in a statement today.

He said that when he was reappointed as Penang chief minister after the 2023 state polls, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke instructed him to work on a succession plan.

As such, he has decided to take the first step to pave the way for a new Penang DAP chairperson.

Perfect timing

Chow, who has helmed Penang DAP since 1999, said the timing is perfect because the new state chairperson will have more than three years to lead and prepare the party for the next general election.

"I trust that the delegates will elect a strong Penang DAP state committee to continue the party’s political mission in Penang.

"I want to take this opportunity to record my appreciation to the party and members for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to serve as state DAP chairperson for the past 25 years and, prior to that, eight years as state secretary.

"Above all, I am indebted to the people of Penang for their great support and fighting spirit in this journey along with me during my tenure as state chairperson and Penang DAP secretary," he added.

CM post

As for his chief minister position, Chow said in an impromptu press conference today that he was leaving the decision to the party leadership.

DAP sec-gen Anthony Loke

He pointed out that Loke previously said he would complete his full term as chief minister without any mid-term changes.

“In any case, the matter of the chief minister's position will be answered by the party,” he was quoted as saying by China Press.

In a separate statement right after Chow's announcement, Loke confirmed that Chow will continue to serve as chief minister until the end of his term in 2028. - Mkini