Caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on voters to give him strong support to form the unity government at the state level. He tells AUDREY DERMAWAN he is confident of securing a two thirds-majority in the state election.
Question: How has campaigning been for candidates from Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional? How do you see the people's acceptance of your working together? How do you see PH-BN's chances of retaining power in the state? Is PH-BN confident of securing between 30 and 32 seats or more?
Answer: I think it is still possible (to secure between 30 and 32 seats). The response is there. We are working towards that goal.
Our supporters also acknowledged that this (PH-BN collaboration) is under a new political norm.
The unity government is a fact. It has been eight months since its formation and people know we are campaigning under the unity government platform.
(The acceptance) is there. We have been going on walkabouts and our leaders have been attending each other's events. I think PH supporters can accept this new political arrangement.
Question: Analysts have forecast that PH-BN may face a fierce fight from Perikatan Nasional for a number of Malay-majority seats, particularly on the mainland. Do you think the green wave will have an impact on these seats?
Answer: Definitely. This analysis is based on the previous (general election) results, but we cannot deny that there is a momentum among Malay voters. So we are also strengthening our own ground to defend our seats.
If we can defend well, we can reach this target (of getting between 30 and 32 seats).
Question: PN parties, namely Gerakan and Pas, seem to have some issues. How do you see this? Do you see PH-BN benefiting from it?
Answer: I think they cannot project and portray a united front in their coalition.
We have not even attacked Gerakan for working with an Islamic party, even though PN does it to PH.
I do not see the need to do that because we are banking on our track record, and they themselves have proven they cannot work together.
Question: How do you see PN's manifesto? Do you think the promises made can be achieved?
Answer: Some of the promises are actually government policy.
They questioned us, 'how come you do not include the allocation for Chinese schools'?
We have been doing that for 14 years. So what is there to prove? We did not put it in because it is a continuous programme. They have to prove whether they can do it because they put it in their manifesto.
I think many things in their manifesto are government policy, and maybe they topped it up here and there. There is nothing creative or innovative about it.
Question: What is your message to the people of Penang with polling day 24 hours away?
Answer: We need their support to ensure that we continue to move forward as a united country, strengthening the nation- building process for a multiracial, multi-religious Malaysia, inclusive, with meritocracy but not marginalising those in need.
This is the way forward for the country under the unity government. Give the unity government a chance to survive.
So I am urging voters to come out and vote on Aug 12.