“When making statements, parties must take into account factors that could affect our unity,” Lau told a press conference at the party’s headquarters today.

He was asked whether the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) president P Punithan’s proposal for his party to lead PN in Penang had been discussed at the coalition level.

He said PN had yet to hold its January monthly meeting but was open to discussing the matter if MIPP raised it.

“For now, I remain the Penang PN chairman, and we will work to ensure PN stays relevant for the upcoming general and state elections,” he said.

Lau also said Gerakan plans to contest three seats in the Sabah state election and will bring the proposal to the next PN meeting.

“Gerakan has already made preparations, not just in terms of contesting the seats but also supporting other PN candidates,” he said.