PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has stressed on Sunday that a series of reforms will be prioritised by the Madani national unity government before the next general election, even as the timing of the polls remains solely at the discretion of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Chow said the reforms, part of Pakatan Harapan’s pledge to strengthen governance and institutional integrity, were intended to showcase the government’s achievements before voters head to the polls.
“Several reforms have already been tabled in Parliament over the past three years, and more could be expected within the next year to enable the government to demonstrate its achievements before the next general election,” he said, adding that the national election could take place within one to two years, although only Anwar would know the actual dates.
Chow urged Pakatan Harapan members and supporters to reconnect with communities and voters to ensure smooth preparations for the elections.
He also highlighted Penang’s own reforms, noting that the state amended its constitution in November 2018 to limit the chief minister’s tenure to two terms.
“Our amendment is different from Parliament’s. Parliament refers to ten years, while in Penang we specify two terms,” he explained, adding that “two terms should be around ten years, but sometimes things do not go as planned.
“Parliament specifies ten years of service, while Penang specifies two terms — and two terms do not necessarily equal ten years.”
The Chief Minister, who has roughly two years remaining in his current term, said he frequently reminds elected representatives and government agencies to ensure promises made to voters are fulfilled.
“Some people think that once we enter the final one or two years, the chief minister is already on the way out. That is not the case,” he said to applause, emphasising that his administration would work harder to achieve its commitments.
Chow highlighted ongoing projects, particularly efforts to tackle pollution, while urging councillors, MPs, assemblymen, and government departments to act swiftly on approved projects.
“We have only about two years left. We must take immediate action so that these promises can be fulfilled,” he said.
The Chief Minister also cited proposed reforms to limit the tenure of the prime minister to two or ten years, a measure fully supported by Anwar Ibrahim.
“It is not ten years, but more than six and a half years. I consider this a very courageous proposal.
“If someone dares to pass such a constitutional amendment and make it effective, it shows that the person is not trying to cling to power,” Chow said, noting that the calculation of tenure would begin from the date of appointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“Not many countries in the world practise this approach, but Malaysia can be said to be among the courageous nations willing to implement constitutional reforms and make them effective immediately,” he added, stressing the state government’s aim to present a strong report card to the people. - March 1, 2026
