The source said some Penang Umno leaders did not want former federal minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican, a frontrunner for the post, for the job.

Those opposed to Reezal want Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol to be appointed a deputy chief minister.

Reezal won the Bertam seat in Saturday’s polls with a 2,321-vote majority, and Rashidi won the Sungai Acheh seat with a 124-vote majority over their Perikatan Nasional rivals.

“PH actually favours Reezal (over Rashidi) because of his experience and his convincing win in Bertam,” said the source, who declined to be named.

“But there are Penang Umno leaders who fear that Reezal will be a threat to them.”

The source claimed some top Umno leaders at the federal level also did not want Reezal to be appointed deputy chief minister even though it was clear that he had more administrative and political experience than Rashidi.

Earlier, a source in the know told FMT that Reezal might be appointed a deputy chief minister.

Last night, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook confirmed that a BN assemblyman would be part of the Penang government.

The swearing-in of Penang’s exco members will be held at Seri Mutiara, the governor’s residence, tomorrow.