Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has stepped down from his role as state DAP chief but will continue to helm the state government until the end of his term.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke confirmed in a statement that Chow will not defend his position as Penang DAP chairperson by withdrawing from the party election set for Sept 22.
However, he emphasised that Chow will still serve as chief minister until the end of his present term which will end in 2028.
“I respect his decision and stance for reform in the Penang DAP leadership after he led the Penang DAP state committee for 25 years. Before today’s announcement, he had discussed with me his wishes.
“It should be emphasised that his decision today does not affect the administration of the Penang state government because he will continue to hold the position of chief minister of Penang until the end of this term following the provision of the state constitution which limits the position of chief minister to a maximum of two terms,” said Loke (above).
Chow, who will turn 66 in November, succeeded Lim Guan Eng as Penang chief minister in 2018.
He led DAP and Pakatan Harapan to convincing wins in two state polls held in May 2018 and August 2023.
This means his term will not end until 2028 when he will have helmed the state government for a decade and will turn 70.
There is no clear indication yet as to who will eventually take over from him once he steps down as chief minister. – Malaysiakini