Either Lim or Chow for Penang
CM swearing-in set for Monday but candidate still unknown
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang chief minister will be sworn in on Monday and it could probably be state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
Although invitations have been sent out, DAP assemblymen are in the dark on whether it will be Chow or incumbent Lim Guan Eng continuing for a third term.
A DAP assemblyman, who is holding a senior party post, said it would be either one of them. “I don’t know who,” he said. According to the invitation card, the event will be held at the official residence of the Penang Yang di- Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at Sri Mutiara at 10am.
Another assemblyman said Lim, being the highest-ranking leader of the DAP, would surely take up a senior Cabinet post.
“It makes no sense for him to remain in Penang. But most of us don’t know anything much since Lim is still in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Another DAP leader said Lim would remain as chief minister for a while to tie up loose ends before taking up the federal post.
“There are several mega projects in Penang which have been planned and will be implemented soon.
“I am sure he wants to settle things before heading to Putrajaya,” he said.
Penanti assemblyman Dr Norlela Ariffin of PKR said she does not know who would be appointed.
“I hope he will be someone nice,” she said.
Things are expected to clear up today when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announces the names of those who will helm 10 ministries which are crucial.
After the swearing-in of the chief minister, another ceremony will be held at Dewan Sri Pinang a few days later for the state executive councillors.
Pakatan Harapan swept Penang, winning 37 of the 40 state seats with the DAP winning all its 19 seats for the third general election in a row.
Pakatan also won 11 of the 13 parliamentary seats.