Public feedback sought on 'two-time' limit for Penang CM

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow wants public feedback on the state government's proposal to limit the post to two times – not just two terms – as proposed by the state legal adviser.

The state legal adviser, according to Chow, has proposed that an addition be made to the clause on the appointment of the chief minister in the state constitution using the words "two times," instead of “two terms.”

"She suggested that a sub-clause be added to the constitution that no assemblypersons be appointed to the post of chief minister more than twice, or ‘two times’ instead of the words ‘two terms’.

"This is because the words ‘two terms’ are difficult to define due to the general elections, which may be called before five years or after five years," he told reporters in Komtar today.

Chow then distributed a handout to the media, which states the amendment will be tabled in the Penang Legislative Assembly in August.

The amendment would read "No member of the legislative assembly may be appointed as chief minister more than twice."

"This is open to many interpretations, it may look simple, but both terms have their own issues.

"We would like to hear feedback from the public regarding this, and we will consider their views.

"The public can make their views heard by emailing us or speaking to the media," he said.

'Committee will take too long'

Aa for tabling the amendment as a bill this August when the state assembly sits, instead of forming a committee to deliberate on the matter first, Chow said it is because "We do not want to prolong it."

He noted that if the state forms a committee under the state assembly to review the issue first, the bill to amend the constitution may only be tabled next year.

Chow said other states under Pakatan Harapan are also mulling the matter, as the coalition has stated in its national GE14 manifesto.

"But our national leaders may be too engrossed now in forming the federal government and may not have time to look at it.

"However in Penang, we have put it as one of the first items in our agenda at the state executive council meeting, that is why we immediately set to do it," he added. - Mkini