Lim agrees to halt public dispute with Chow over Penang quit rent row

DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng has agreed to comply with party instructions to immediately end his public dispute with his successor as Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, signalling a willingness to resolve tensions through internal discussions.

Lim, who serves as the Air Putih assemblyman and Bagan Member of Parliament, expressed appreciation to party secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook for initiating a meeting with Chow aimed at addressing the issue.

The disagreement centres on sharply increased quit rent rates, which Lim said had risen dramatically in certain cases.

"Since the quit rent hike was first mooted last year, I have exhausted all internal mechanisms with the state government and the Penang Chief Minister before making my disagreement public. Until this meeting between the three of us is held, I will not be making any public statements or holding press conferences for distressed landowners affected by the exorbitant hike in quit rent."

Lim also sought to reassure affected residents that assistance efforts would continue despite his decision to step back from public commentary.

"I wish to assure the affected landowners that my parliamentary office in Bagan and my assemblyperson office in Air Putih in Penang will still be open and available to assist them in appealing the quit rent hike, including filling up the appeal forms. To date up both my offices have assisted up to 800 landowners."

While Lim has spoken openly on the issue, Chow has remained largely silent, although he continued attending public engagements, including a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering hosted by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.

Earlier, Loke—who is also Transport Minister—publicly urged both leaders to end their dispute and refocus on public service.

"Enough of the public spat, restore party discipline and focus on the rakyat," Loke said in a statement.

He added that the party leadership is increasingly concerned about the ongoing disagreement between Lim and Chow over the revised quit rent rates, warning that the dispute risks undermining unity within the DAP. - March 22, 2026