Penang PH warned against complacency as Chow says GE16 will test DAP’s two-decade stronghold

PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has warned Pakatan Harapan and DAP against becoming complacent after nearly two decades dominating Penang politics, cautioning that shifting voter sentiment and rising opposition momentum could make the 16th General Election one of the coalition’s toughest battles yet.

Speaking at the Pakatan Harapan 2026 Convention in Johor Bahru on Sunday, Chow said recent political developments, particularly election outcomes in Sabah, demonstrated how rapidly voter sentiment can change despite years of service and incumbency advantages.

“In Sabah, we have seen how quickly voter sentiment can shift. Even representatives who have contributed significantly over many years are no longer guaranteed victory in their respective seats,” he said.

“Today, the people want more than slogans. They want leadership capable of delivering stability, development and confidence in the future of the state.”

Chow said the changing political landscape required PH leaders to prioritise responsible governance over personal popularity, even if difficult decisions risk short-term public dissatisfaction.

Now serving his final term as Penang Chief Minister, Chow said he deliberately chose not to pursue “comfortable politics” despite having little personal political risk left to bear.

“Some people say I could choose a comfortable political path because this is my final term. But I did not choose that road,” he said.

“I chose to continue making decisions that I believe are important for Penang’s future, even if they may create dissatisfaction in the short term.”

He also warned that Perikatan Nasional is aggressively expanding its influence in Penang, particularly through PAS and Gerakan, which are focusing efforts on Malay-majority constituencies in Seberang Perai and Balik Pulau.

According to Chow, PN is attempting to build political momentum by exploiting local concerns surrounding the rising cost of living, water tariffs, land taxes and perceptions of “urban elite” politics to weaken support for the state government.

“The next general election is not merely about who campaigns the hardest. It is about who the people trust to lead when circumstances become difficult,” he said.

“This state requires mature, stable leadership willing to make difficult decisions for the people’s future, even at political risk.”

Chow also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional under the Unity Government framework, while ensuring leadership succession planning remains stable after his eventual departure as chief minister.

Held under the theme “Tekad MADANI, Harapan Rakyat”, the PH 2026 Convention gathered approximately 5,000 delegates and leaders from across the country as the coalition intensifies preparations for looming state elections and the 16th General Election. - May 17, 2026