“I leave it entirely to the party leadership. Let the party decide if they want me to continue come July,” Rayer, who is also the Jelutong MP, told FMT.

Lingeshwaran, a senator, also said the decision ultimately rests with the party.

“As loyal members of DAP, we stand by the leadership’s decision and will work towards what is best for the community within the party’s principles,” he said.

Former PHEB chairman P Ramasamy yesterday urged the Penang government to proceed cautiously if it plans to revamp the board’s leadership.

Citing confidential sources, Ramasamy claimed the state DAP, under chairman Steven Sim, is “seriously considering the removal of both the chairman and his deputy”.

The PHEB is currently headed by Rayer, who failed to secure a spot in the 30-member central executive committee.

While leadership changes are not inherently an issue, Ramasamy said, the key concern is ensuring a competent successor, as no current state leader or state executive councillor is adequately qualified.

He noted that deputy chief minister Jagdeep Singh Deo was considered but he had been ruled out despite the 1906 ordinance recognising Sikhs as Hindus.

The Star quoted Jagdeep as saying he would be willing to lead PHEB if needed.