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DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng has claimed that there is no longer "political value" for UMNO to remain in the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government in Penang because it is actively working with Perikatan Nasional (PN).
"There is no point in retaining UMNO as they no longer have regard for us," said Lim.
"In my previous statement, I did not challenge the Penang Chief Minister, but UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for not having the guts to ask Penang PH to expel UMNO from the state administration as he did at the Federal government level," said Lim.
"PH Penang leaders should not fear offending an extremist UMNO that indulges in divisive attacks against non-Muslim religious minorities.
"Lest we forget, UMNO had claimed credit for causing the defeat of DAP secretary -general Anthony Loke Siew Fook in the Chenaah seat during the Negeri Sembilan state election.
"There is nothing wrong or confusing for DAP leaders to rebut UMNO’s baseless allegations against PH or Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Chow Kon Yeow may not want DAP leaders to express their views, but there is no gag order from Loke."
Whilst the final decision on whether UMNO should stay or not rests with the central leadership in the DAP and PH, Penang PH leaders should take a stand on this important issue and convey this to the top, Lim suggested.
"PH Penang leaders should wake up to the reality that there is no more value for UMNO to remain in the state when it can work actively with PN and PAS from within.
“The price for retaining UMNO will be a negative impression of the leadership of Penang PH in failing to recognise that the greatest enemy is within," said the former finance minister. - September 16, 2026.
