Penang Amanah Youth communications director Abrar Sadiq said he welcomed PN’s decision as it proved that the coalition was aimless in the northern state.

“The reappointment of a leader of a party with zero seats in Penang clearly shows that the views of PAS and Bersatu’s grassroots have been sidelined by the PN top leadership.

“I see this decision as a sign that PN is growing weaker and does not have anyone capable of challenging the state government of the day,” he said in a statement.

Lau, a former senator, had been criticised by two PAS delegates at the Islamic party’s muktamar last month over his apparent ineptitude as Penang PN chairman.

The PN deputy chairman rebuffed the criticism, saying Gerakan was actively serving as a check and balance to the DAP-led state government, despite not holding a seat in the state assembly.

This was not the first time that PAS’s grassroots in Penang had issues with Lau. While campaigning for the Penang state election in August 2023, he was barred from attending a PN ceramah organised by PAS.

It was believed to be in protest by some members of the Islamic party over his candidacy for the Bayan Lepas seat, which he lost by 1,889 votes to Amanah’s Azrul Mahathir Aziz.

PN announced its latest lineup of state chapter heads yesterday, with Lau being retained as Penang PN chairman.