IN his early years as a politician, Chow Kon Yeow preferred to be a follower. Actually, that’s an understatement. He didn’t believe he had the DNA to lead.

“In my younger years, I preferred to to hide behind the scenes, and even resigned from leadership positions because I felt I was not born to lead, but to follow,” he told Malaysia Decides.

‎That was then.

Chow is not only the new Penang chief minister but he is also stepping into big shoes. Lim Guan Eng, the man he is replacing, is widely credited with transforming Penang into a model of good governance and sound economic management.

‎But it was not surprising that Chow was picked to succeed Lim.

The four-term Tanjong MP and three-term Padang Kota assemblyman has found himself thrust into trying positions several times and has excelled.

‎When DAP faced the KOKS (Kick-Out-Kit-Siang) crisis in the 90s that saw senior leaders leave the party, he was picked over more senior party members to steady the ship.

When Lim Guan Eng was charged with corruption in 2016, Chow was named the next chief minister of Penang, a DAP-led state since 2008.

‎Chow is ready to step out of the shadows and lead.

“When the times demand that you step forward, you just have to do it. For politicians and leaders, there can be no suitable time (to take up leadership posts)... the past 10 years have changed much of my personal convictions,” said Chow.

As an exco in Lim’s administration, Chow, 60, handled some of the heaviest portfolios – local government, traffic management and flood mitigation.

Chow said he enjoyed working under Lim as the two complemented each other, and said he hopes the difference in approach and character will be appreciated by Penang folk.

“Lim and I worked very well together because we are different in character and approach. You can’t have two strong characters running the show.”

He said the administration can expect him to be open to ideas, and to be decisive when decisions must be made.

Plans for Penang

After swearing in last Monday, Chow announced that the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), the undersea tunnel and three major highway projects, and the proposed Penang South Reclamation, would continue as planned.

With an estimated 60% of the people still relying on private vehicles, Chow said the state aimed to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and improving public transportation.

“We cannot say we will scrap the projects. We will try to incorporate the people’s needs and demands for progress, more roads, more parking spaces, and better living standards in what we plan to do without sacrificing the environment.”

Chow urged pressure groups and critics to allow the new state and federal governments time to work for Penang, given the challenges and constraints they would face.

He said even with Lim as finance minister, Penang might not get the all the funds it wants for an LRT (light rail transit) system, housing and flood mitigation, as the country has to deal with the high national debt.

“We may get less than what we hope for, so we ask for patience. We cannot deliver instant solutions.” – May 23, 2018.