DON’T POLITIKING PENANG CM’S POST

The latest candidate’s speculation that should succeed Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon ended when he named the potential candidates.

They are party vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan, Tanjung division chief Teng Chang Yeow and deputy secretary-general Datuk Lee Kah Choon.

But the person who would replace him would be dependent on the election results and ground assessment. None of them had been designated to be Dr Khor successor to avoid problems, if any, should the candidates lose in the general election.

Three Gerakan leaders have been told to be “psychologically prepared” to succeed Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

This is the first time Dr Koh has named the potential candidates.

“I told senior state executive councilor Hock Nan last week to be psychologically prepared for the post.

“I have also informed two other leaders – Chang Yeow and Lee – at some point to be ready for the position.”

Last week, Hock Nan, 62, was considered a leading contender for the state’s top post. The other speculated candidate was Lee.

Yesterday, Hock Nan, who appeared to be upset over media reports that Chang Yeow, was tipped for the position, broke his silence and said the party leadership had told him to be prepared for the job.

“I also don’t know (what’s happening). Earlier last week, I was told to get prepared. Ultimately, the Barisan Nasional leadership has to make a decision. So, we will see.”

He also said that no one should force the party leadership to make any decision.

“We should continue to work. We should not be disturbed by these reports. I am sure the leadership will make a good choice, given the present situation.”

Chang Yeow, 43, said he was “genuinely surprised” when the media named him as the frontrunner to be the state’s fourth chief minister.

“Honestly, I never harboured any hope or expected anything, so I am not really affected by all the speculation,” he said.

On how he felt about Chang Yeow becoming the next chief minister, Lee replied: “It’s not a problem. I can work with anybody. We just have to look at our common objective and the rest is irrelevant.”