Chow bowing out of state party polls to save face, say analysts

James Chin of the University of Tasmania says the chief minister’s decision not to defend his state chairman’s post prevents a major embarrassment and protects his reputation.

(FMT) – Political analysts have described chief minister Chow Kon Yeow’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming Penang DAP elections as a strategic move to dodge a potentially humiliating defeat.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania and Azeem Azwan Ahmad Farouk of Universiti Sains Malaysia said Chow made the right call by stepping aside, as he might suffer a crushing loss.

Chin said that with the next general election expected within two years or earlier, Chow will likely hang on to his job as chief minister.

“Had he lost badly, it would have been seen as a major embarrassment, especially in the eyes of the Chinese community, where such losses are viewed as a big shame,” he told FMT.

He said if Chow had resigned mid-term, it would severely damage his reputation and be seen as defiance against the DAP leadership, leading to internal conflict.

“If he stays on, he can work to rebuild his image and may have a chance to remain relevant in the party,” he said.

Yesterday, Chow announced that he would not defend the state chairmanship he has held for the past 25 years, of which he has been chief minister for the past six years.

The Batu Kawan MP said he would yield the post to the delegates as part of a succession plan ahead of the next general election, and that he would remain national vice-chairman.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said Chow will continue to serve as chief minister despite his decision not to contest the state party elections on Sept 22.

On the matter of potential chief ministerial successors, Chin said names like Steven Sim and Lim Hui Ying have surfaced, with Sim having the edge due to his strong ties to Penang.

However, neither Sim nor Lim are currently eligible to assume the role of chief minister, as they are not members of the state legislature.

Azeem said Chow’s announcement to retreat is a clear signal that the other major faction within DAP has won.

He said Chow will face the challenges of becoming a “lame duck” chief minister after the party elections, undermined by internal party pressures.

However, he believes that DAP’s overall position in Penang is unlikely to be affected in the near term.

“The next few years will be critical for the party to stabilise and rebuild after this internal power struggle,”

he said.