GEORGE TOWN: Holding the general election this year will be timely as the country could see a stable government, says Chow Kon Yeow.

       The Penang Chief Minister said Malaysia needed a strong government that could create a conducive business environment to attract investors and foreign investments.

       “I believe the time is right to hold the 15th General Election (GE15) this year once Covid-19 cases ease up,” he said in an interview with The Star.

       The Penang DAP chairman said Pakatan Harapan held a meeting to discuss GE15 recently.

       “Although we have not actually talked about seat allocations yet, all of us agree that we should have a common manifesto.

       “There will also be status quo in most constituencies,” said Chow, who is also the Penang Pakatan Harapan council chairman.

       Having contested in the seven previous elections, Chow said GE15 would be his last.

       “If I get the mandate and with the blessing of the party, I hope to lead the state again to fulfil all my promises and ensure all the infrastructure projects are carried out.

       “It has been a long journey with regard to my political career, and I think GE15 will be my last,” said the journalist-turned-politician.

       In 2018, Penang became the first state to limit the tenure of the Chief Minister to two terms.

       In the state legislative assembly, Pakatan now controls 33 out of the 40 seats with DAP taking 19 seats, PKR (12), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (four), Parti Amanah Negara (two), Barisan Nasional (two) and PAS (one).

       When asked about the launch of Parti Warisan Sabah in Penang, Chow, 63, said it would not be easy for the Sabah-based party to win the hearts of Penangites.

       “We welcome any new party as part of the electoral process of free democratic participation.

       “There is nothing new about a party from Sabah setting up a base in Penang after Parti Bersatu Sabah,” he said.

       “But it won’t be easy for them. However, I would like to remind all Pakatan lawmakers not to take things for granted. We need to live up to the expectations of the people,” he added.

       Parti Bersatu Sabah contested in Penang in the 1990s while Upko and Sabah STAR have set up base in Peninsular Malaysia.