PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has urged for some privacy to be accorded to his state executive councillor, who is embroiled in a domestic abuse controversy after his wife lodged a police report in Selangor.
Chow said that in the latest update, both the executive councillor and his wife had lodged separate police reports, alleging abuse, but have since withdrawn the reports.
The councillor has also since apologised to Chow.
Chow urged the married couple to be given time and privacy to hopefully resolve the matter.
“If there is any investigation, I will leave that entirely to the police,” he added.
The Padang Kota assemblyman said that he was made to understand that it involved a family issue between the exco and his wife, and that both parties filed police reports before retracting them.
“I have received a message from the exco member involved, who apologised over the issue. I understand that he has extended his cooperation to the police in this investigation. “For now, that is all I can say. I hope that the exco member himself will provide further updates, whether to his party or us,” Chow said when approached after attending a Chinese New Year gathering here.
Asked if the councillor should take a leave of absence following the incident, Chow said that was up to his discretion.
“I think the police have recorded their statements. At this stage, let us wait for the couple to think about their next step and what would be best for their family.”
A copy of the wife's police report has since gone viral online.
Penang has ten executive councillors, including two deputy chief ministers, overseeing various portfolios for one of the most economically vibrant states.
Attempts have been made to contact the councillor for a statement. - February 25, 2026.
