Group in bid to ensure 'Chinese-only' CM for Penang

A major Chinese association in Penang has launched a campaign to ensure that the next chief minister in the state will come from the Chinese community.

The Penang Chinese Town Hall, long considered a business and cultural base representing the Chinese community, has invited media outlets to cover a press conference titled "Support the Continuity of the Penang Chinese Chief Minister" in George Town tomorrow.

"It is our responsibility to safeguard the rights and interests of the Chinese community in Penang," it said.

When contacted, a spokesman confirmed the event and the theme to be covered.

This comes in the middle of the storm sparked by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng's speech warning Penang voters that the "green wave", DAP's reference to Perikatan Nasional (PN), would trample on non-Muslims' religious and cultural rights if it comes into power in the state.

Lim also condemned anyone in Penang who supports the "green wave" as a traitor.

"We are the people of Penang, not Wu Sangui," Lim was quoted as saying by China Press on July 7, referring to an ancient Chinese general who betrayed the Ming Dynasty by letting the Manchu army conquer China.

His remarks drew condemnations from various groups, which urged the police to investigate the former chief minister for sedition.

Bukit Aman has since launched an investigation into the matter under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505b of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.

Penang, long considered a DAP stronghold, is one of the six states to hold elections on Aug 12 and is widely seen as a referendum on the eight-month-old coalition government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

PN, which currently rules Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, has said that it is also focusing on capturing Penang, besides Negeri Sembilan and Selangor – the three states where Pakatan Harapan has joined hands with Umno in the coming polls.

Since independence, Penang has had five chief ministers, all of whom are ethnic Chinese.