Although the Penang executive council unanimously opposed and disagreed with PAS' decision to sever ties with DAP, the state government will remain status quo.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state exco, which met today, decided that the Penang government will carry on as normal.

Lim said cooperation will continue to be based on Pakatan's common policy which was launched on December 2009 and Pakatan’s manifesto ( photo ) in 2013.

The manifesto, which was largely used as a campaign material in the 13th national polls, helped garner 68 percent - highest in history - of the popular votes in Penang.

“Therefore, Penang will function as normal, will focus and be committed to improving services, administer the state with efficiency, accountability and transparency, and bring about development which will benefit all ethnic communities regardless of race or religion,” Lim said.

Appreciation for PAS leaders who quit

Lim said the “abrupt” decision of the new PAS leadership not only severed ties with DAP but also resulted in Pakatan’s demise.

“When PAS decided to sever ties with DAP, the party killed Pakatan,” Lim said in a statement, noting that the coalition was formed by DAP, PAS and PKR on Apr 1, 2008.

However, he said the exco praised and expressed its appreciation to the PAS leaders who quit their posts in the state government following their party’s decision at the muktamar.

Those who felt the biggest impact were four local councillors who worked directly and indirectly with Lim or the state exco in-charge of local government, Chow Kon Yeow.

So far two of the local councillors - Mhd Nasir Yahya (former Penang Island City Councillor) and Dahalan Fazil (Seberang Perai Municipal Councillor) has resigned from their posts, based on principles.

Their move followed resignations from three other leaders - former PAS deputy chief Mohamed Sabu, former state deputy commissioner I Mujahid Yusof Rawa and former legal advisor in Lim’s office, Roshidi Hussain.

“Their principled stand will be remembered not only by the state but also by Penangites,” Lim quipped.