PKR’s Bukit Tambun rep tipped to fill suspended Fahmi’s exco slot

 Party source says Goh Choon Aik’s name has emerged as a likely replacement for Fahmi Zainol, as Penang chief minister weighs next steps.

Goh Choon Aik is known to be a steady hand, and is a likely name to replace Fahmi Zainol, following Fahmi’s suspension by PKR after he was charged for domestic abuse.

GEORGE TOWN:

 PKR’s Goh Choon Aik is being widely mentioned within party circles as a possible replacement for Fahmi Zainol on the Penang executive council, following Fahmi’s suspension from all party positions, sources said.

A source close to the matter said Penang PKR’s leadership has begun discussions aimed at filling the position to ensure the state government’s work “is not disrupted”.

Goh, the Bukit Tambun assemblyman, has emerged as a leading contender as he is seen as a steady hand and familiar face within PKR’s Seberang Perai machinery.

He is also currently Penang PKR deputy chief to Mohamad Abdul Hamid, the party’s state chapter leader and deputy chief minister 1.

Although he has kept a relatively low profile compared with more prominent state leaders, PKR regards him as organisationally strong in southern Seberang Perai.

“Goh’s name is coming up strongly because he is seen as safe, dependable and able to work across the coalition,” the source told FMT.

First elected in 2018, Goh is now serving his second term as Bukit Tambun assemblyman. He also heads Batu Kawan PKR, a post he secured unopposed in last year’s party polls.

Fahmi, the state executive councillor for agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development, was suspended by PKR from all party posts, after being charged with domestic abuse on Friday.

The Pantai Jerejak assemblyman’s suspension will remain until the end of his court case, said PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow initially said Fahmi would continue to serve as exco member since he remains innocent until proven guilty. Chow later said the state exco will meet this week to discuss whether Fahmi should go on leave.

Party insiders said any change to the exco line-up will ultimately depend on the chief minister’s decision and discussions within the Penang unity government of Pakatan Harapan and Umno.

However, they expect pressure to grow for Fahmi to take leave from the exco as the case proceeds.

The PKR source said replacing Fahmi was also driven by optics, with leaders keen to avoid a prolonged distraction for the state government.

“There’s a feeling this has to be managed quickly and cleanly, whatever the legal outcome later,” the source said.

Neither Goh nor Fahmi could be reached for comment. - FMT