MCA, MIC requested to contest in several seats, says Penang CM
25 May 2023 07:08pm
Chow Kon Yeow
He said the request was made during a meeting between PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) Penang on May 20th.
However, he said the negotiations regarding the seats are still ongoing, and a final decision has not been made.
"At the central and state meetings, they (MCA and MIC) requested seats. That's the purpose of negotiations, we need to hear the outcome and respective views.
"The negotiations are still ongoing, and the responsible parties will announce the decision once the negotiations are completed. At this stage, all that can be said is that there may be suggestions from any party.
"But this time, the recent second meeting (last Saturday) was attended by Umno, MIC, and MCA. The next round of negotiations will also be held this week at the state and central levels," he said during a press conference at Komtar, today.
He said the meeting details would be reported to the central leadership, even though a decision has not been made yet.
"All state findings will be reported to the central leadership, whether they have reached a resolution or are still in disagreement. We will report everything. After that, we will await the decision or further instructions from the central leadership," he said.
When asked about seat overlaps, he, as the Chief Minister, mentioned that the matter is still under discussion.
"There are seats that can be decided at the state level, but if there are seats that still require negotiation, I can say that it is still in process. This is because in one meeting, not all decisions may be reached.
"Some may agree, and some may still disagree," he said.
Previously, Penang Umno chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said that discussions on seat allocation between Penang Umno and PH have not been finalised, despite holding a meeting.
