THE Penang executive council will meet next week to discuss the status of exco member Fahmi Zainol, who was charged with domestic abuse yesterday.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the discussions would centre on whether Fahmi can remain or take a leave of absence pending the closure of the case.
But he stressed that Fahmi is innocent until proven guilty by the court.
"This is the adage that we must hold. We cannot act above the court, and we must respect the due process," said Chow before attending a breaking of fast event.
Chow dismissed speculation that the state government had come under pressure from any party to direct the Pantai Jerejak assemblyman to take leave or resign from his portfolios, citing that the "only pressure he faces is from a particular news portal”.
"Yes, he will carry out his duties as normal. We were only informed of the charges yesterday afternoon. The court will decide on the matter, and we cannot act ahead of the judiciary. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty," Chow said.
"Yes, (this issue) can be discussed in next week's exco meeting," he said.
Fahmi pleaded not guilty when he was brought before the Balik Pulau magistrate's court yesterday to face the charge of voluntarily causing hurt to his wife last Sunday.
Bail was set at RM2,000 with surety. - February 28, 2026.
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