INTERVIEW | DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has put an end to all speculation that his father Kit Siang will contest in Penang in the 14th general election.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Lim said, “I can say for sure that he is not coming to Penang.”

Asked if Kit Siang would consider contesting a Parliament seat in the state, Lim replied in the negative.

“Definitely not, it is not part of his strategic planning,” said the Penang chief minister.

Speculation has been rife that the Gelang Patah MP would be making a comeback in Penang, following his frequent visits and activities in the state since the beginning of this year.

Kit Siang's trips, known as “Jelajah Desa” (rural visits), fuelled speculation that he was eyeing a seat in the state.

He was invited by DAP Kedah to contest a seat in the state, but he responded by saying he was open to contesting any seat in GE14.

It would be no surprise if Kit Siang indeed returns to Penang, as he previously held seats in Kampong Kolam (1986 to 1990) and Padang Kota (1990 to 1995). He was also Tanjong MP from 1986 to 1999.

The DAP probably wants to forget Kit Siang’s disastrous attempt to defeat former Penang chief minister Koh Tsu Koon in 1995, in which Kit Siang compared himself to "Robocop".

Lim also dismissed speculation that his wife, Betty Chew, would return to politics, in the event that he is jailed for his two corruption charges.

His trial, which was supposed to start in March, has been postponed to settle his challenge on Section 62 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 in the Federal Court.

Chew, a lawyer by profession, had contested thrice and won handsomely in Malacca's Durian Daun (1999) and Kota Laksamana (2004 and 2008) seats.

“No, she won’t (be contesting). For her, she has done her bit,” Lim said.

Succession Plan

Lim insisted that his successor for the Penang chief minister’s post would be state executive councillor and state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow.

Lim announced Chow as his "natural choice" to succeed him after he was slapped with graft charges in June last year, and confirmed his decision at last year’s state DAP convention.

“I think of no others. We work very well together, and I chose him without pressure from anyone,” Lim said.

“It is visible from our body language whether we are close or not,” he added.

Asked if the choice to name Chow as successor was to end factional fights or criticism from opponents in Penang, Lim said, “They will still attack me.

“But you will notice that when we are together in a public meeting, you can see how he takes care of me, and how I care for him.

“Actually, we are very comfortable with each other and we know that we can only succeed together, for you cannot succeed alone. We depend on each other, as there are many things that I cannot do by myself.”

Lim claimed that the Penang leadership is strong, with a “collective leadership and is unshakeable”.

He said this in reference to Penang having a proper “succession plan” for other posts, in addition to the chief minister's post.

He said succession planning is a sign of good collective leadership.

“It (succession planning) is not for only one person, but for the executive councillor’s posts, civil servants, or department directors.

“We already have candidates for the local council president's post, should there be changes, and even for the deputy chief ministers' posts,” he added, without elaborating.

“Succession planning is very important because it provides continuity, stability and certainty.”

Part I: Guan Eng: I have a cool relationship with the press

Part II: 'So what if I'm CM, I can't protect my kids'