Penang: Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) has decided to retain the Barisan Nasional (BN) state executive councillor in the state administration until the next general election (GE), according to its chairman, Chow Kon Yeow. The decision was reached at the Penang PH meeting based on the electoral pact between PH and BN formed during the 2023 state election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chow emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among the component parties and accelerating the reform agenda that forms the basis of PH's struggle. He conveyed these thoughts at a press conference after chairing the Penang PH meeting at Wisma DAP. The BN executive councillor in question is State Rural Development, Agrotechnology and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol.

Chow, who also serves as Chief Minister, stated that Penang PH had taken valuable lessons from the outcomes of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. He mentioned that every seat in the state would be analyzed from various perspectives in preparation for the 16th GE. Additionally, PH plans to strengthen its political narrative by acknowledging its weaknesses, making more effective use of digital platforms, and engaging more closely with the growing Undi18 voter group.

The coalition remains confident in its strength, citing the stability and integrity of the state administration, as well as efforts to drive economic growth, attract investments, create jobs, and implement beneficial policies. However, Chow cautioned against complacency, noting that public perceptions and sentiments often change faster than facts.

In the 2023 Penang state election, PH and BN formed the Unity Government after securing 29 of the 40 state seats contested, with DAP winning all 19 seats it contested, PKR seven, Amanah one, and BN two.