CHOW Kon Yeow has dismissed claims that he would become a “lame duck” chief minister after opting out of contesting in the 22 September state DAP election.

The party’s national vice-president explained that the role of chief minister is different from a party post, noting that while the former is an executive and legislative role, a party position is purely political.

Chow, who is the Padang Kota assemblyman and Batu Kawan MP, pointed out that the responsibilities of a chief minister and party chairman differ significantly, each serving a distinct purpose.

He believes he can continue to effectively lead as chief minister with the primary focus of fulfilling the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, his Penang Vision 2030, and advancing key state initiatives such as infrastructure development.

Chow emphasised that his duties as chief minister would remain unaffected despite his decision not to participate in the state DAP elections.

“My responsibilities as chief minister remain unchanged. I will continue to lead and oversee the programmes and initiatives under my purview. We have much to accomplish,” Chow stated after launching the Advanced Technology Equipment Cluster (ATEC) programme at Amari Spice Penang.

The ATEC programme, launched by the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), seeks to enhance local production of equipment used by multinational companies relocating to Malaysia. Several Penang-based companies are involved in the initiative.

Chow addressed the term “lame duck”, pointing out that it is more commonly used in the United States than in Malaysia.

“In Penang, the current government holds executive authority, and it is uncommon for legislative support to affect the standing of an active chief minister,” he explained.

Chow also revealed that InvestPenang is in talks with global semiconductor giant Intel Corp amid reports that the company may downsize its global workforce and pause its expansion plans at its Bayan Lepas plant.

The state is closely monitoring developments at Intel, and any changes to the chipmaker’s expansion plans will be announced by the company itself.

Intel employs over 14,000 people in Malaysia, with its Penang expansion plan intended to establish the first advanced 3D chip packaging facility outside the US. Intel has operated in Penang since 1972, and the site is its largest outside the US. – September 7, 2024.