GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had an audience with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at the latter's official residence in Seri Mutiara here, this afternoon, to brief him on the current political situation in the country and the state.
Chow, who arrived at about 2.55pm, spent about 20 minutes with Abdul Rahman.
Speaking to newsmen later, he said he had highlighted to Abdul Rahman that Penang is only impacted by the announcement that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has left Pakatan Harapan.
"I informed Tun that there are only two state assemblymen from Bersatu in the state who contested under the Pakatan Haparan platform in the 14th General Election.
"I informed him that if the two assemblymen decide to leave the state Pakatan Harapan, then that is the impact on the political situation in the state.
"I also informed him that as far as PKR is concerned, until now, there is no report of any elected representative leaving the party and Pakatan Harapan.
"This means that the political situation in Penang is very stable, and I am grateful that Tun also felt confident of the state's situation," he said.
Chow said he also drew Abdul Rahman's attention to the amendment to the State Constitution in 2012.
Under the amendment, for any elected representative who contests under any party, upon his/her departure from the party, his/her seat can be considered vacant.
"I have been briefed by the state legal adviser, who stressed that the State Constitution prevents any elected representative from leaving the party they contested under in the elections.
"And if this happens, then the Penang government, through the State Speaker, will have to alert the Election Commission (EC) on the need to have by-election(s). That is in terms of the law.
"So, that is the situation... if the two Bersatu assemblymen leave Pakatan Harapan, the State Constitution will take effect.
"So, Tun's hope is that the current political crisis can be resolved soon to ensure that the stability and harmony of the country and the people are guaranteed. He is also very confident in the state's situation that Pakatan Harapan will not have any problem governing the state.
Asked on the possibility of the two Bersatu assemblymen in the state leaving Pakatan Harapan, Chow said he did stress that there is no need for the state to rush into anything now.
"Whatever happens at the federal level, let it be resolved first before we decide on action to be taken at the state level. Let the situation become clearer and calmer first.
"I just want the people to know that the situation here is stable," he added.
The two Bersatu assemblymen in Penang are Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq, the assemblyman for Bertam; and Zolkifly Md Lazim, the assemblyman for Teluk Bahang.
Of the 40 state seats in Penang, DAP holds 19 seats, PKR (14), Parti Amanah Negara (two), Bersatu (two), Umno (two) and Pas (one).
Asked on when he would meet the King, he said he is scheduled to be at the Istanan Negara tomorrow.
It was reported that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, would interview some 90 Members of Parliament today, to decide on the prime ministerial role and subsequently, to form a new government.
Each MP will be given between two and three minutes, the first time such a method has been used in Malaysia.