GEORGE TOWN – As Penang navigates legacy issues and ongoing state projects, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is already contemplating his role beyond office with three years left in his tenure.
While he has no plans to interfere, Chow has signalled his willingness to offer guidance to his successor – but only if his advice is sought. His successor will inherit a state in transition, grappling with unresolved matters that could shape Penang’s future leadership.
Among the frontrunners for the position is current Penang DAP chief and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, widely seen as Chow’s anointed successor. Unlike Chow, who served as the state’s Local Government, Flood Mitigation, and Traffic Mitigation executive councillor for a decade under former chief minister Lim Guan Eng, Sim has no prior experience in state governance.
“There should not be a hindrance for him (the successor) to ask (for advice) because he was not part of the decision-making process and he may want some explanation,” Chow said in an exclusive interview with Scoop at Komtar recently.
“…and I suppose that it is a fair request if there is a need for me or whoever stayed on as an exco member to enlighten him on why we made these policies and decisions.”
Chow was asked about his potential role after stepping down as chief minister and whether he would consider guiding Sim, who is expected to become the state’s sixth chief minister.
When pressed on whether he would take on an advisory role or serve as a senior executive councillor, he said: “(Only) if needed (and) solicited, maybe.”
“In those circumstances where there are legacy issues that the new chief minister feels he wants (to gain) opinions or some clarifications, I am sure that I would be able to do (the advisory role).”
As the Padang Kota assemblyman, Chow is subject to a provision in the Penang constitution that bars any assemblyman who has served two terms as chief minister from holding the position for a third term. This term limit was introduced through a constitutional amendment proposed by Chow himself and passed in late 2018.
It was one of several institutional reforms implemented by the state’s Pakatan Harapan government in line with the coalition’s 2018 general election manifesto.
A leader must be an ‘all-rounder’ to serve all communities
Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, took over as Penang DAP chairman after Chow decided not to seek re-election following 25 years at the helm from 1999 until last year.
Asked for his assessment of Sim’s leadership, Chow said he possesses different leadership qualities and has engaged in groundwork such as meeting with party divisions, conducting dialogue sessions with NGOs, and overseeing the chapter’s organisational matters.
However, he noted that these efforts were not done “frequently enough”, attributing this to Sim’s ministerial responsibilities, which make it difficult for him to commit more time to grassroots work.
“However, it is necessary to keep in touch with the grassroots,” he added.
When asked whether Sim was elevated to a senior position in Penang DAP due to his popularity among the Malay community, Chow stressed that a politician must be an “all-rounder” who is “strong” with all segments of Penang’s multiracial society.
“I think speaking for myself, I am recognised as an all-rounder as the Indians and the Mamak (Indian Muslims) can support me. Plus, I have no issues with the Malays.
“You need to receive support from all (segments of society). You need to build on areas where you are not that strong,” Chow emphasised.
When asked whether he felt he was not given the same treatment as his predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, Chow brushed aside the question, saying, “It does not matter.”
However, he stressed that his successor should have the freedom to govern as they see fit, acknowledging that every leader has their own vision for the state.
In a recent interview with a Chinese news outlet, Chow had said that independence should not be perceived as disobedience, in reference to criticism by former leaders of their successors.
“My successors should also be given a free hand to work on governance issues and improve (state) delivery systems,” he told Scoop. – February 17, 2025