PH-BN cooperation in Penang faces bigger test ahead of GE16

PH-BN cooperation in Penang is being sustained for stability, but growing political differences could test the alliance as GE16 approaches.

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 5, 2026: Cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in Penang is being viewed as increasingly important as the state government prepares for the next general election.

The decision by Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow to retain BN representative Datuk Rashidi Zinol as a state executive councillor until the next general election has been seen as a continuation of the political understanding reached after the 2023 state election.

Rashidi, who oversees rural development, agrotechnology and food security as well as entrepreneurship, has described the PH-BN cooperation in the state administration as constructive.

PH-BN cooperation

He has also said no major working problems have been experienced with leaders from PKR and DAP during his tenure in the state executive council.

However, the continued cooperation has also exposed differences among PH leaders over the role that UMNO and BN should play in the Penang administration.

With GE16 approaching, the cooperation is expected to face greater pressure as the component parties seek to strengthen their respective political identities and support bases.

The key challenge will be to ensure political differences do not disrupt state administration, particularly on transport, housing, congestion, jobs, cost of living and public infrastructure.

#latestmalaysia

New: Wan Ji Warns of Party’s Survival Beyond Anwar

: PH-BN, Penang, UMNO, GE16