GEORGE TOWN – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has indicated that he is not stepping away from politics entirely, leaving the door open for future roles beyond his tenure as the state’s leader.
Addressing speculation about his political future, Chow – who is set to step down in three years – indicated that other opportunities remain for him to serve in different capacities, including at the federal level.
Currently in his second and final term as chief minister due to the state’s two-term limit, Chow had previously announced that he would not seek re-election as an assemblyman.
Speaking to Scoop, he reaffirmed that he will not contest the Padang Kota seat in the next state election, stating that he sees no reason to serve as a backbencher after leading the state government.
“But as to other opportunities to serve (in politics), it is maybe (best) for the party to decide if there is still a role for me to play. It is still an open (door).
“Maybe my term as the chief minister has come to a full stop, but my political career is still (remains) a ‘comma’. I can still go on,” he said.
Chow made these remarks when reflecting on his decision to step back after more than three decades in DAP. He served as Penang DAP chairman for 25 years from 1999 until last year, when he announced he would not seek re-election to the position.
Prior to that, he was the state chapter’s secretary for eight years. He has since been succeeded as Penang DAP chief by Bukit Mertajam MP and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
When asked whether he might reconsider defending the Padang Kota seat if pressured by party grassroots, Chow remained resolute in his decision.
“I would appreciate their concern but (would) probably not (run for re-election). It is the end of a particular phase (in my career) and if there is another journey that I can embark on, it is an open affair,” he added.
Federal role? Party to decide
Beyond his role as chief minister and assemblyman, Chow is currently serving his first term as Batu Kawan MP, marking his second stint as a federal lawmaker after representing Tanjong from 2018 to 2022. He is also one of DAP’s five vice-chairmen.
Asked whether he intends to remain in Parliament and 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.
“I mean, (the door is) open, not closed.”
Under the Penang state constitution, an assemblyman who has served two terms as chief minister is ineligible for a third term. This term limit 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. — February 16, 2025