BUTTERWORTH: Penang Pakatan Harapan has been given one month to reach agreement with state Barisan Nasional on seat negotiations for the forthcoming state election.

Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow said he received directive to begin negotiations with state BN yesterday.

The state DAP chairman said following the latest development, he would need to get back to Penang PH to brief on the directive.

Chow, who is also Penang Chief Minister, said at every state PH meeting, they would discuss the matter.

"With the latest directive, we have a timeframe to conclude negotiations. We will work within the timeframe with other state PH component before negotiations with state BN.

"This process will be ongoing until agreement is achieved. We expect several rounds of negotiations," he said when asked on preparations for the state election and negotiations between Penang PH and Penang BN after the opening the Penang DAP annual convention here.

Present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook and DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng.

No negotiations have been held between both coalitions at the state level until now.

Meanwhile, Loke reiterated the cooperation within the unity government was between the PH coalition and BN coalition and not between the respective parties.

"This framework is very unique and well understood.

"It is between the two coalition, and of course each component party will have its representatives in any negotiation process.

"But the cooperation framework is between PH and BN and not DAP and MCA," he said when asked if DAP was willing to concede seats to MCA or MIC, adding that, however, negotiations were ongoing at the national level.

Chow was also asked on how Penang PH would deny state Perikatan Nasional (PN) its target to secure 14 of the 40 state seats in the forthcoming state election following PN's success in wresting the Permatang Pauh, Tasek Gelugor and Kepala Batas parliamentary seats in the 15th general election.

In the 14th general election, Penang PH secured 37 state seats, of which DAP won 19 seats.

"Many opposition parties have set eyes on Penang, each setting target of 15 seats, 14 seats and what not.

"It is up to them to plan but it is for us to ensure we are able to win, win handsomely in Penang," he added.

Previously, both PH and PN leaders in Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have expressed their agreement to hold the state elections simultaneously to save costs.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/03/890657/penang-ph-bn-have-one-month-reach-agreement-seat-negotiations