Do not repeat past mistakes; pick a successor soon, says Penang CM

Published by Ian McIntyre • 19/02/2026

CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on Pakatan Harapan (PH) not to repeat the mistakes of Gerakan over who should become his successor.

With speculations that the next general election is near, Chow, who is serving his two-term limit as the state’s top executive, said that it is best that PH, namely his party – DAP, make an early decision over who is best to succeed him.

Chow’s second term may end soon if Penang chooses to follow PH’s federal government tenure, with speculations that a snap 16th general election can be called within the next 24 months.

To avoid repeating the problems caused by the previous Gerakan Chief Minister selection, Chow said political parties should consider deciding on the candidate as early as possible.

“I think the party leadership can have different ideas on this matter, but there is no need to wait until the last minute to avoid speculation and uncertainty, or even internal conflicts, caused by the delay in the selection of candidates.”

He said this in a special interview with the Chinese vernacular, Guang Ming Daily.

Determining a candidate as soon as possible would help the entire PH election machinery prepare as effectively as possible, he said.

Among those touted as Chow’s successors were Penang DAP liaison chairman Steven Sim Chee Keong, state DAP secretary Lim Hui Ying, state DAP liaison vice-chairman Yeoh Soon
Hin and a dark horse in veteran state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, who is a learned character with three degrees.

On Sim, who is said to be a leading contender, Chow said that he has undergone the due process from serving as a political assistant to a city councillor, MP, a deputy federal minister
and now the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister.

Sim is renowned for his social media portrayal of assisting the needy.

Chow admitted that some quarters may have a different candidate as the next chief minister, and this process reflects maturity.

“In the end, we need the wisdom of all leaders to produce the right person to lead the state further.”

Chow also revealed that land would be allotted for an administrative centre in the overall planning for the now under reclamation – Silicon Island, the largest such project in Penang.

Situated off Batu Maung, the man-made island is seen as a game changer in Penang’s quest to increase its now acute landbank and boost development, especially for the manufacturing and services sectors.

Chow’s remarks may see part of the state administration in Komtar being relocated to Silicon Island to combat the worsening traffic congestion in George Town.

“This plan (state administrative land) has already been discussed at the Penang Infrastructure Corporation board meeting.”

He pointed out that the Silicon Valley Island reclamation project is in full swing, and more than 300 acres of land have been filled so far.

It is expected that the required portion of the land can be filled in two more years.

He said the planned administrative centre will be four to five stories high, and some of its administrative functions will be located there in the future.

Due to its small size, it will likely be mainly used by state government agencies. – February 19, 2026.