The sole Barisan Nasional (BN) representative in the Penang government has called for continued cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH), saying their collaboration has been constructive and beneficial to the state.
State rural development, agrotechnology, food security and entrepreneurship committee chairman Rashidi Zinol said he had encountered no problems working with colleagues from PKR and DAP during his three years in the state executive council.
The Sungai Acheh assemblyman said their working relationship was built on mutual respect, understanding, good communication and a shared focus on the interests of the people and the state’s development.
‘Differences in party backgrounds should not prevent us from working together when our primary objective is to ensure that the state government is administered effectively and that the people benefit,’ he said in a statement today.
PH-BN cooperation under scrutiny
Rashidi said the cooperation between PH and BN established in Penang after the 2023 state election was a form of political understanding that should be valued and strengthened.
His statement comes amid calls by DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng for Umno to be removed from the Penang government following BN’s alliance with Perikatan Nasional in Negeri Sembilan.
However, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also Penang PH chairman, said the state PH leadership had yet to receive any directive on the matter from the central leadership.
Chow said the state chapter would abide by the central leadership’s decision on whether to retain Rashidi in the state administration. He also urged party leaders to allow the PH presidential council to discuss the strained relationship between PH and BN.
Call to maintain political stability
Rashidi also expressed support for maintaining and strengthening the unity government until the end of its term, saying this was necessary to ensure political stability, policy continuity and continued focus on development and the people’s well-being.
‘Political stability is not merely about parties or positions, but about our ability to work together, respect differences and resolve matters that affect the rakyat,’ he said.
‘Good cooperation must continue. Differences can be celebrated, but the interests of the rakyat must always come first.’
