GEORGE TOWN – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow should serve as an MP for a longer period if he intends to pursue a political career beyond his tenure as chief minister, a political analyst has suggested.
In an exclusive interview with Scoop, Chow indicated that he is not stepping away from politics entirely, despite standing by his decision not to defend his Padang Kota state seat. This, he said, leaves the door open for future roles beyond his time as the state’s leader.
However, when asked whether he plans to remain as Batu Kawan MP for the long term or consider a federal government role, Chow said: “It’s for the party to decide if there is an opportunity to continue to serve in a new platform.”
Speaking to Scoop, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Chow appears to be taking a “contradictory” stance on the matter, as he has left the possibility of entering federal politics open while deferring entirely to DAP on how long his parliamentary career should last.
“He did not say outright that he will defend his (Batu Kawan) seat. So, I take it this is a contradictory (stance), as he’s not sure about defending his seat,” he told Scoop when contacted.
“If he wants to pursue his political career at the federal level, he needs a parliamentary seat at least to move in that direction.”
Chow is bound by the Penang state constitution, which limits a chief minister to two terms. This restriction was introduced through a constitutional amendment tabled by Chow and passed in 2018 as part of institutional reforms by the Pakatan Harapan-led state government.
Limited options in federal politics
Azmi acknowledged that while retaining his MP position is key to Chow’s political future, opportunities at the federal level remain limited for the senior DAP politician.
He pointed out that even if Chow were to consider a role as the chair of a government-linked corporation or a federal agency, options are scarce as there are few agencies under DAP’s purview.
“He needs a government agency that he can lead. For example, UMNO has Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara). DAP needs something similar in order for Chow to contribute post-chief ministership,” he added.
If Guan Eng could be a minister, why not Chow?
Meanwhile, professor James Chin of the University of Tasmania believes that Chow could be considered for a ministerial role, citing the example of his predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, who became finance minister after serving two terms as Penang’s chief minister.
Speaking to Scoop, Chin said Chow’s technocratic background and character would make him well-suited for a ministerial role, regardless of the portfolio.
“He (Chow) is neither a colourful politician nor a combative one like Lim, who was controversial. He is basically a technocrat. So if you appoint him to a ministry, most likely he will do a fairly decent job,” Chin said.
Chin further noted that while Chow can express openness to extending his political career in any capacity, securing re-election remains crucial for his plans to materialise.
“All politicians say it is best to leave (the decision-making) to the party, and that is true. But if you don’t get voted in or nominated by the party as a candidate (for a federal government role), then you know…
“So at the end of the day, it’s up to the rakyat whether they want to vote for you to keep your career going,” he added. – February 19, 2025.