Guan Eng to defend Air Putih seat

GEORGE TOWN: Despite a court case looming over his head, Lim Guan Eng is unperturbed and will defend his Air Putih seat.

If voted in again on May 9, it will be the third term in office for the Penang Chief Minister.

His candidacy was announced by state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow at the Tanjong Bunga DAP service centre yesterday.

Chow also named incumbent Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari for the Tanjong Bunga state seat.

Others included Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai, 45, to take over Zairil’s seat while Penang Island City councillor Chris Lee, 36, would contest the Pulau Tikus state seat.

Lee will replace incumbent Yap Soo Huey, who has announced her intention to further her studies overseas.

Zairil, 36, said he would continue the green agenda for sustainable development and would engage with residents and civil societies.

He said contesting a state seat was a new challenge for him and was more difficult. “I am expecting multi-cornered fights statewide as there are so many parties now.”

When asked whether he would be made a state executive councillor if he were to win, Zairil said it was up to the top leadership.

Wong, a two-term assemblyman, is Lim’s political secretary.

He was a state exco member from 2008 until 2013.

Meanwhile Lee, who is Bangkok Lane branch chairman, said he was aware of the local issues as he was born and raised there.

“I am not from an elite background. I believe a strong determination is needed to bring about changes,” he said.