PENANG: Return to Chow Kon Yeow instead of toppling Chow, a clever pun by the Penang chief minister is sending a subtle message while speaking at a school alumni themed “return to the nest.”

Chow said this in his speech at the dinner organized by Heng Ee Alumni to celebrate 54th anniversary on October 14.

The pronunciation for the Chinese word nest is the same as Chow’s surname in Mandarin.

Chow took the opportunity to ride on the theme of the alumni dinner “hui chao” (return to the nest) to “return to Chow.”

As Chow is English educated, his aide used his surname Chow to replace the Chinese word “chao” for him to pronounce it correctly but the sentence means supporting Chow.

Chow said the phrase is special to him as there were news and speculations to remove or topple him prior to the state elections, prompting many leaders of organizations as well as supporters asking: Can Chow make it?

Chow made it back to be the Penang chief minister but he may still not clear all the hurdles.

Hence, without naming anyone, Chow said, “I would like to take this opportunity here to tell those people, regardless if they are in DAP or outsiders, to back Chow instead of topping Chow.”

Chow continued his speech that the Penang Constitution stated that he could be the chief minister for two terms after an amendment was made earlier to reflect the party policy and direction. He is to carry out the political agenda of DAP.

“So, do not blame Chow for continuing to be chief minister because this is provided for under the Penang Constitution,” he said.

Before ending his speech, Chow repeatedly urged those who were keen to topple him to support him instead for him to lead the state government to achieve Penang 2030.

A sporting Chow also accepted the invitation by the organizer to sing.

He sang two Cantonese songs Love and Passion and Sky on stage. The first song is about love conquers all while the second song is a famous song by Beyond on sky without limits.

Also present at the dinner was DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, former Penang chief minister who is now Bagan member of parliament and Air Putih state assemblyman. 

When asked to comment, Lim said based on the practice of the party, one should raise the matter within the party before making it public.

Lim said party matters should be handled by the party internally and Chow could raise it with DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook.

“The call to topple Chow is not said by me but Chow himself. He should be giving more details. I left the dinner when he said this,” said Lim.