THE political realignments taking place in several states have not affected cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in Penang, says state executive councillor Datuk Rashidi Zinol.
Rashidi said he had worked with leaders from PKR and DAP for about three years without encountering problems in the state administration.
The state executive councillor for Rural Development, Agro-technology, Food Security and Entrepreneurship said the relationship had been built on mutual respect, understanding and regular communication, with the interests of the people taking priority.
“Throughout my three years as a member of the Penang State Executive Council, I have never faced any problems in my working relationship with leaders and colleagues from PKR and DAP.
“Instead, our working relationship has been based on mutual respect, understanding, good communication and putting the interests of the people and the development of the state first,” he said in a statement today.
Rashidi said differences in political backgrounds should not get in the way of cooperation as long as all parties remain focused on ensuring the state administration runs smoothly.
He said the understanding reached between PH and BN following the 2023 state election should be appreciated and strengthened.
His comments came after Penang PH decided in August to retain BN representatives, including Rashidi, in the state administration until the next general election.
The decision was based on the electoral pact between PH and BN for the 2023 state election.
Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow had previously said the existing arrangement would continue, including Rashidi’s position as a state executive councillor.
On federal politics, Rashidi said he supported calls for the unity government to remain in place until the end of its term.
He said maintaining the arrangement was important for political stability and would allow the government to focus on carrying out its policies and development plans.
“Political stability is not just about parties or positions. It is about the ability to work together, respect differences and resolve matters that affect the people,” he said.
Rashidi said he hoped the cooperation between PH and BN in Penang would continue to be maintained for the sake of the state administration and the people.
His statement comes as the PH-BN relationship faces renewed attention following political developments in other states, including Negeri Sembilan.
Penang PH has previously maintained that its cooperation with BN remains anchored in the understanding reached following the 2023 state election. – September 22, 2026
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