PENANG will, for now, maintain its current cooperation framework with Barisan Nasional (BN) under the unity government at the state level, signalling stability despite shifting political dynamics elsewhere in the country.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also a DAP central executive committee (CEC) member and former Penang DAP chairman, said the state administration continues to function smoothly and cohesively.
“Penang remains status quo at the moment, but we must always be mindful of the changing environment. That said, we are working well under the unity government framework,” he said.
Chow noted that Malaysia’s evolving political landscape requires flexibility among coalition partners, adding that alliances need not be uniform across all states.
“In today’s scenario, every party must carefully consider its coalition partners. These partnerships are no longer rigid or necessarily identical nationwide. Each state may chart its own alignment based on local realities.
“What matters is identifying reliable partners and contesting as a united team at the state level,” he said when responding to questions on whether the political situation in Negeri Sembilan could impact Pakatan Harapan’s cooperation with BN in Penang.
He added that while national-level collaborations provide a broad framework, individual states are likely to prioritise forming coalitions of like-minded parties with shared agendas.
“Ultimately, each state will strive to present voters with a cohesive coalition, one that shares common development goals, policy direction, and a clear trajectory for both the state and the nation,” he said.
The remarks come in the wake of a political crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where all 14 Umno and Barisan assemblymen in Negri Sembilan unanimously declared a loss of confidence and withdrew their support for the state government led by Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun following a leadership conflict.
However, Aminuddin was given the mandate to continue leading the state administration after receiving the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on Monday (April 27).
Negri Sembilan has 36 state seats, and out of that total, Pakatan won 17 seats, Barisan controlled 14 seats, while Perikatan Nasional won five seats in the 15th state election in 2023.
Pakatan and Barisan formed the government by controlling 31 state seats after the 15th state election.