It is the duty of a former Penang chief minister to fully back the government that the people have chosen through democracy.
According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, this included upholding the sovereignty of the state of Penang as well as the general welfare of its citizens by respecting all decisions, directions, and leadership styles.
The state government is always receptive to complaints or criticisms from any quarter that are communicated via the appropriate and official channels; this serves as a check and balance that will enhance the quality of services provided to the public.
“Any attempt to interfere and impact the decisions made by the state government should be avoided as it will impede their efforts and agenda for the betterment of the populace,” he responded orally to a question about the chief minister’s two-term limit posed by Lee Khai Loon (PKR-Machang Bubuk) during today’s meeting of the Penang State Legislative Assembly.
But nothing prevents a former chief minister of Penang from continuing to serve the people after his term is over, according to Chow.
When questioned about the chief minister’s pay, Chow responded that it was approximately RM14,000, whereas the executive council members’ pay was approximately RM12,000 and had not been reviewed in ten years. The CM’s compensation was not examined when the review was completed, though.
In response to a follow-up question from Wong Yuee Harng (DAP-Pengkalan Kota), he stated, “The CM’s salary has remained the same for the past 20 years; the difference in the salary of the CM and the executive councillors is only RM2,000 but the responsibilities are different.”
According to recent reports in the media, a former Penang Chief Minister who held the position for two terms, either prior to or following the implementation of the state Constitution amendment, is not eligible for reappointment.
