GEORGE TOWN – The absence of an “oomph factor” in policies or programmes that could make the state government more appealing to Malays may be a key factor behind their stagnant support for it and Pakatan Harapan (PH), says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
In an exclusive interview with Scoop, Chow acknowledged that Malay support for the state government has remained “quite stagnant,” as reflected in past state election results.
“(The support level) is not improving. Therefore, we (the state government) must continue doing our job,” he said during the interview at Komtar.
The 2023 Penang state elections saw Perikatan Nasional (PN) secure 11 Malay-majority seats, continuing the “green wave” trend from the 2022 general elections, where PAS won seven seats and Bersatu took four.
Chow, who is also Penang PH chief, said federal politics played a major role in the disappointing results.
“I think at the (state) PH level, we have not been (creating) something very big to attract that type of attention (from the Malay electorate), like a special programme or project.
“(But) it has been business as usual (for the state government as) we do not discriminate against any segment of society. It’s just that the oomph factor is not there, and they (Malay voters) are not excited,” he added.
Chow was asked to comment on what appears to be PH’s “almost non-existent” Malay support in Penang and whether Human Resources Minister Steven Sim was appointed as Penang DAP chief due to his popularity among Malays.
He responded by highlighting the state government’s efforts to engage the community, including increasing allocations for Islamic affairs and other initiatives.
When asked if the state could improve its communication strategy to attract Malay voters, Chow replied: “It must come with good programmes and policies so that we can reach out (to the community).”
Additionally, he cautioned PH against ignoring negative sentiments online, calling them “red flags” that should prompt reflection and action.
The senior DAP leader also warned against taking voter support for granted, particularly among the Chinese community.
“The opposition thinks the Chinese will continue supporting PH or the unity government. But we cannot take things for granted, as there will be pockets of dissatisfaction (among voters).”
Ties with Umno
Chow leads a unity state government that includes Umno’s Sg Acheh assemblyman, Datuk Rashidi Zinol, who serves as the state’s Trade, Entrepreneurial Development, and Rural Development executive councillor.
Asked about PH’s relationship with Barisan Nasional’s anchor party in Penang, Chow said a “structured relationship” has yet to be established, with collaboration mainly occurring during elections.
“It’s about time (we) reactivate the machinery (and hold) general meetings more regularly,” he added.
However, Chow credited Umno as a good partner in the state government, helping to explain state issues to the Malay community. – February 19, 2025