GEORGE TOWN: Incumbent Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow says he is humbled by the DAP candidate selection committee's unanimous decision to name him as the candidate to lead the state for a second term should the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition come out victorious in the upcoming election.

Speaking to newsmen here today, Chow said this was a recognition for him and his administration, more so with the state election fast approaching.

"I am humbled by the endorsement. Throughout my five years, I just wanted to do a good job for the rakyat. I will work even harder and hope to get the support of all," he said.

Chow said, with this latest announcement, this would put to rest any arising speculations about the chief minister candidate in recent weeks.

"The rumours were rather disturbing and disruptive but all these are behind us now and we hope that the decision is respected and we can move ahead.

"I am blessed that people are supportive of my leadership. There has been some kind of uncertainty following the recent speculations," he said after the grand opening of Commerz Trade Services Sdn Bhd at GBS@Mayang here.

However, Chow said that throughout, he felt calm and relaxed.

"With the cessation of speculation, the entire machinery can now focus on facing the upcoming state election, gather energy and unite to face the state election.

"I also want to thank the party leadership for the trust placed on me to lead the state one again and everyone who have been supportive of my administration all this while.

"It is my hope to be able to lead the Pakatan Harapan - Barisan Nasional coalition in the state election to convince the people that we are a government that is pro-people, pro-unity, pro-development and pro-people's well-being,'" he added.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, in a statement on his Facebook page, had said the chief minister candidate issue was discussed during the selection committee meeting last night.

"The committee, led by me, with national chairman Lim Guan Eng, national deputy chairman Gobind Singh and national vice-chairmen Nga Kor Ming and M. Kulasegaran had decided unanimously to name Chow as the candidate for the Penang chief minister for a second term.

"The decision has been made known to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and he has given his blessing to the decision as the Pakatan Harapan chairman," he said.

Chow was also asked about major changes in the executive councillor line-up of the state government that represents DAP as mentioned by Loke.

He said the matter would be decided later after the party wins in the state.

"'We haven't won yet. Maybe, look at the nomination of candidates first to outline the list of candidates who meet the aspirations of the national leadership,'" he said.

Meanwhile, asked on the outpouring of support by civil society towards him, Chow said he was thankful to each and every one of them.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/07/930915/chow-humbled-daps-decision-name-him-penang-cm-candidate-second-term