Forming three subcommittees, Pakatan prepares Penang for GE16 

GEORGE TOWN: Three newly constituted subcommittees will be supporting the next 16th General Election (GE16), according to the state Pakatan Harapan.

According to Penang Pakatan chairman Chow Kon Yeow, the election manifesto committee will be headed by DAP member Zairil Khir Johari, the information committee by PKR member Lee Boon Hong, and the mobilisation committee by Amanah member Zahar Zainul.

Among the priorities, he said, will be finding solutions to the problem of low voter turnout and getting the word out about the upcoming GE16. “We have not gone into detail, but we have spoken about the current political climate, which is becoming more difficult and unpredictable.” Chow warned that changes in national politics and policy might have an immediate effect on all states, including Penang.

In view of the continuing political uncertainties, he continued, “Pakatan’s priority is to further strengthen the party internally.” During a press conference held after the state Pakatan Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday (May 23) at Wisma DAP here, he emphasised the importance of maintaining party unity, enhancing organisational discipline, empowering grassroots machinery, and listening to the people’s voices. His goal was to address their problems and secure the future stability of the state.

Chow, who doubles as chief minister of Penang, announced the new state Pakatan committee members for 2026 at the AGM, adding that he will continue to serve as committee chairman for the year.

Ramkarpal Singh (DAP), Dr Zaidi Zakaria (Amanah), and Goh Choon Aik (PKR) are the vice chairmen this time, while Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Rahman (PKR), Steven Sim (DAP), and Muhammad Faiz Fadzil (Amanah) are the deputy chairmen. As secretary, Lim Hui Ying (DAP) will be in charge. Not only do we face formidable political opponents in the next election, but the question of whether or not the public still has faith in Pakatan’s ability to maintain good state governance is also a major hurdle. “Politics based on hatred and division should not threaten the future of the state,” Chow stated.

In response to a question regarding their cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN), Chow stated, “We are aware of the ongoing issues with BN in other states. They were highlighted during the recent national Pakatan convention. “Penang will closely monitor developments and prepare in all the areas we’ve contested,” he added, noting that the focus remains on Johor and Negri Sembilan.