Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk said Chow’s response was surprising since he ought, as the incumbent, to know whether he can secure the minimum candidacy requirement of nomination by two state branches.
On Monday, Chow told reporters he was unsure if he will get to defend the post, adding that he does not know if he will secure enough nominations.
Chow has served as the Penang DAP chief since 1999 and has been the party’s national vice-chairman since 2004.
The state DAP chapter goes to the polls on Sept 22.
Azeem said Chow’s uncertainty may be perceived as weakness since it suggests he is unsure whether he has the support of his peers in the party.
“DAP wants to reassert their power on the Penang government. If Chow does not muster enough votes in the party polls, the party may ask him to resign as chief minister.
“Continuing as chief minister with little support would make him look weak. Then it would be up to the state assembly to decide if he has their confidence (to continue leading the state government).
“Other DAP elected representatives may vote him out due to the numbers they have in the state legislative assembly. This is a power play, no less,” he said.
Azeem said although party secretary-general Loke Siew Fook announced during the state election last year that Chow would not be replaced, there may be some manoeuvring by party members opposed to his leadership.
He said former chief minister Lim Guan Eng remains an influential leader whose views may determine how members will vote.
However, Azeem does not expect factionalism within the DAP to weaken the party’s grip on the state which is now in its fourth term. Even if Chow is removed, the party will continue to enjoy unfettered power in Penang, he said.
He said the situation within DAP was unlike the infighting that led to Gerakan’s loss of the state in the 2008 election.
“Towards the end of their third term, Gerakan did not have substantive power in the state, as it shared the state with Umno who had more seats than them.
“Today, the Malay parties (Bersatu and PAS) are in the opposition, and PKR is not as strong as Umno was. DAP is still solid.”
DAP has ruled the state since 2008 and presently holds 19 of the 40 state assembly seats.
James Chin of University of Tasmania said an unofficial two-term limit for DAP representatives holding leadership positions may see Chow phased out by the next state election.
Chow is in his second term as chief minister, a post he has held since 2018.
“The DAP leadership may feel it is time for a new face in Penang, especially with the perceived conflict between Lim and Chow,” Chin said, adding that Chow has faced criticism in the past for being “less dynamic” than his predecessor.