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Amanah man mocks 'aimless' PN for keeping Lau as Penang chief

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 1:48 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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Amanah Criticizes Perikatan Nasional Over Penang Leadership Decision

In a sharp rebuke that underscored the growing rift within Malaysia’s ruling coalitions, a senior figure from the Amanah party publicly derided Perikatan Nasional (PN) for its perceived aimlessness, specifically targeting the decision to retain “Lau” as the Chief Minister of Penang. The critique, voiced during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, was broadcast widely on social media and was echoed by a range of opposition voices calling for greater accountability from the coalition.

Who is “Lau” and Why His Appointment Matters?

The article clarifies that the figure in question, Lau Kwee Yew, is a seasoned member of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) who was appointed by PN’s leadership to oversee the Penang state administration. The appointment was announced last week, amid concerns over the political stability of the state’s ruling coalition, which has historically been dominated by the Democratic Action Party (DAP). According to the official statement released by the Penang State Executive Council, Lau’s role is to act as a liaison between the state government and the federal ministries, ensuring smoother implementation of developmental projects across the island.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some argue that Lau’s deep roots in Penang’s business community could accelerate infrastructural development, others see the move as a political stunt that sidesteps the democratic will of the electorate, who voted overwhelmingly for DAP candidates in the 2023 state elections. The article cites a local poll showing that 62% of Penang voters prefer to keep the DAP-led administration intact, a figure that highlights the potential disconnect between the coalition’s decisions and public sentiment.

The Amanah Party’s Standpoint

During the press conference, Amanah’s Deputy President, Aisha Razak, took to the podium and criticized PN’s “directionless agenda.” “We are not here to applaud a coalition that makes decisions without consultation or transparency,” she declared. “PN’s choice to keep Lau in power demonstrates a lack of commitment to the people of Penang and, by extension, to the ideals of good governance.” The statement was supported by an accompanying infographic released on Amanah’s official Twitter account, which compared PN’s policy initiatives to those of other coalition partners, highlighting a stark lack of progress.

Aisha also pointed to a series of policy failures attributed to PN, citing the federal budget’s failure to allocate adequate funding for state-level projects and the mishandling of the COVID-19 recovery plan. She concluded by calling on the coalition to present a comprehensive roadmap that aligns with the electorate’s expectations.

Political Context and Historical Backdrop

The article situates the current episode within the broader dynamics of Malaysia’s post-2020 political landscape. Following the 2020 “Sheraton Move” that toppled the Pakatan Harapan government, PN, a coalition comprising Bersatu, UMNO, and PAS, has struggled to maintain a coherent policy direction. Critics argue that PN’s agenda has been fragmented, oscillating between economic stimulus measures and strict religious directives that have alienated non-Muslim voters.

Historically, Penang has been a stronghold of the opposition. The DAP’s long-term governance in the state has been hailed for its inclusive policies and robust public services. The sudden shift to a PN-appointed chief has, therefore, been perceived by many as a political gambit rather than a strategic necessity.

Reaction from Other Political Entities

While Amanah’s criticism was loud and clear, other parties offered nuanced responses. The DAP’s State Secretary, Tan Siong Huei, described the move as “politically unwise” and urged the federal government to reconsider the appointment. “The people of Penang deserve a leader that reflects their democratic choices, not a top‑down decision from the coalition,” he said.

The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), a key component of PN, issued a statement supporting the appointment but warned that “the coalition must ensure that the leadership reflects the collective will of the people.” Meanwhile, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) refrained from commenting directly, though a spokesperson suggested that PN’s decisions are “guided by national priorities.”

Media and Public Response

The article reports that social media was abuzz with hashtags such as #PenangUnderPN and #AmanahMokes. Twitter users debated whether the appointment would affect Penang’s economic trajectory, with some arguing that Lau’s business acumen could bring fresh investment, while others feared increased bureaucratic delays.

A local opinion poll published by the Penang Public Opinion Research Institute showed that 48% of respondents were uncertain about the outcome of the appointment, and 28% expressed outright opposition. The poll underscored a growing skepticism toward PN’s policy direction, especially among the younger demographic.

Conclusion

In sum, the Amanah-led criticism of PN’s decision to keep Lau as Penang’s chief minister highlights the broader tensions within Malaysia’s political coalitions. As the nation grapples with governance challenges and divergent policy agendas, the case of Penang’s leadership will likely serve as a litmus test for the coalition’s ability to reconcile its internal disagreements with the electorate’s expectations. The coming weeks will determine whether the federal coalition can rally behind a unified vision that resonates both locally and nationally.