Penang Exco Fahmi Zainol removed

THE Exco position of Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development held by Fahmi Zainol officially ended today.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at a press conference at his office.

“I would like to inform that the service of Yang Berhormat Fahmi Zainal as a Member of the State Executive Council has ended today, 4 March 2026.

"I met with him early this morning, and he accepted the decision," he said.

According to him, the proposed replacement will be submitted to His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, this evening for approval.

"I will submit the replacement proposal to His Excellency this evening for approval.

"After receiving approval, my office will issue a statement to announce the replacement of the new Exco member," he said.

Commenting on whether Fahmi's replacement is from PKR, Chow explained that it can be assumed that way since Fahmi represents the party in the state government.

Asked whether there will be a reshuffle of the Exco portfolios following the development, he said that an announcement will only be made on the day the new Exco is sworn in this week.

Meanwhile, he also explained that the action was taken following an official letter from PKR requesting a replacement.

“The party (PKR) submitted a letter yesterday (March 3) through its secretary-general, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, requesting a replacement. That is the difference.

“In the previous case, I did not receive any request letter from the relevant party for appropriate action. But in this case, there is a letter from the party requesting a replacement,” he said.

Commenting on why a different action was taken compared to other cases that also involved elected representatives, including the case involving Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Chow said that each case has its own considerations.

“There is a difference; it is not just being investigated. Perhaps the party concerned feels that it has been brought to court, and there may be other reasons.

“I respect the party’s decision because it can make a decision based on various considerations,” he said.

Previously, Fahmi, who is the youngest state Exco, was immediately suspended from all PKR positions until his court case is completed.

The action was taken after the Pantai Jerejak State Assemblyman (ADUN), who was charged with intentionally causing injury to his wife.

Fahmi was previously charged at the Balik Pulau Magistrate's Court with intentionally injuring his wife in an incident on February 22.

However, Fahmi pleaded not guilty after the charge against him was read out by an interpreter before Magistrate Chia Huey Ting.

Fahmi, who is one of the youngest Exco members in the Penang state government administration, was sworn in in August 2023. – March 4, 2026