DAP national vice-chairman Chow Kon Yeow has stated that he plans to remain low-key during the party's upcoming elections this weekend, despite increasing speculation about his potential leadership role.
Chow, who is also Penang Chief Minister, and has served as the national vice-chairman of DAP for 25 years, declined to comment on the rumours that he might succeed Lim Guan Eng as the party's national chairman.
Chow, known for his reserved demeanour, had made his preference clear to keep a low profile on the matter.
“I am a low-key personality in the election, so I will remain as that. I don’t prefer to comment. If I comment, I will become high key,” Chow said during a press conference in Komtar, George Town today.
As DAP prepares for its national elections on March 16, there has been growing talk about Chow's potential rise to the party's top position.
However, Chow is focused on defending his position within the Central Executive Committee (CEC), where he has been a member for a quarter of a century.
The upcoming party elections will see 30 members elected to the CEC, and Chow will be vying to retain his role in this key leadership body.
Earlier today, Chow also announced that 274,151 recipients of Penang's i-Sejahtera social welfare aid would receive their cash assistance via electronic fund transfer (EFT).
The programme, which provides financial support to vulnerable groups, has been allocated RM49.45 million for the year.
The beneficiaries of the i-Sejahtera programme include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single mothers, and housewives.
Of the recipients, 205,089 are senior citizens, 43,321 are housewives, 15,330 are persons with disabilities, and 10,411 are single mothers.
In comparison, last year the programme allocated RM50.54 million, benefiting 280,633 recipients.
Despite the buzz surrounding the party elections, Chow’s focus remains on his administrative duties, as he continues to oversee important social welfare initiatives in Penang. – March 12, 2025