# Penang State Executive Council

The Penang State Executive Council is the executive branch of the Penang state government. It is headed by the chief minister, who is appointed by the governor, Penang's head of state. The council also comprises between four and ten other members of the Penang State Legislative Assembly, along with ex officio civil servants – namely the state secretary, the state legal adviser and the state financial officer.
While smaller in size, the Penang State Executive Council is similar in structure and function to the Malaysian federal cabinet. Federal and state responsibilities vary, resulting in portfolios that vary between the two levels of government. The Executive Council is collectively accountable to the Penang State Legislative Assembly.

## Structure of government
### Appointment of the executive

The chief minister, as Penang's head of government, must be appointed by the governor of Penang (Malay: Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang) on the basis that the former commands the confidence of a majority of the state assemblymen in the Penang State Legislative Assembly. On the advice of the chief minister, the governor shall form the Penang State Executive Council by appointing "not more than ten nor less than four other members" from among the state assemblymen.
Aside from the Executive Council, the governor shall also appoint another three executive officers, namely the state secretary, the state legal adviser and the state financial officer.
* The state secretary serves as the principal officer who handles the administrative affairs of the state.
* The state legal adviser shall provide advice on legal matters upon request from either the governor or the state government.
* The state financial officer is in charge of the financial affairs of the state.
These officers retain the right to participate in the proceedings of the Executive Council and may be appointed to any of the committees in the council. However, they are not permitted to vote in the Executive Council or within any of the committees.
Before exercising the duties of the executive office, an incoming member of the Executive Council must take and subscribe the Oath of Office and Allegiance in the presence of the governor. The Oath of Office and Allegiance reads as follows.
   I, [name], having been appointed to the office of [name of office], do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will faithfully discharge the duties of that office to the best of my ability, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the State of Penang, and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the State of Penang.
In addition, every incoming member of the Executive Council, plus the state secretary, the state legal adviser and the state financial officer, must also take and subscribe the Oath of Secrecy before the governor. The Oath of Secrecy is as follows.
   I, [name], do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as a member of the Executive Council of the State of Penang except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as such or may be specially permitted by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

### Vacation of office

Any member of the Penang State Executive Council, apart from the chief minister, shall hold office at the governor's pleasure, but may at any time resign from his or her position. If the chief minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the state assemblymen in the Penang State Legislative Assembly, the chief minister shall tender the resignation of the entire Executive Council. However, in this particular circumstance, the chief minister also reserves the option to advise the governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly, thus paving the way for fresh state-level election. Aside from that, the Executive Council ceases to exist upon the vacancy of the Office of the chief minister, unless the vacancy arises while the Legislative Assembly is dissolved.

## Lists of full members
### Chow Kon Yeow II EXCO (2023–present)

| PH (10) | BN (1) |
| DAP (8)  PKR (2) | UMNO (1) |
Members since 13 August 2023 have been :
| Name | Portfolio | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Chow Kon Yeow MP (Chief Minister) | Finance Economic Development Land Communications | PH (DAP) | Padang Kota | 13 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Mohamad Abdul Hamid (Deputy Chief Minister I) | Islamic Development Education National Unity | PH (PKR) | Batu Maung | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Jagdeep Singh Deo (Deputy Chief Minister II) | Human Capital Development Science and Technology | PH (DAP) | Datok Keramat | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Wong Hon Wai | Tourism Creative Economy | PH (DAP) | Paya Terubong | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Zairil Khir Johari | Infrastructure Transport Digital Development | PH (DAP) | Tanjong Bunga | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Lim Siew Khim | Social Development Welfare Non-Islamic Religious Affairs | PH (DAP) | Sungai Pinang | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Daniel Gooi Zi Sen | Youth Sports Health | PH (DAP) | Padang Lalang | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Jason H'ng Mooi Lye | Local Government Town & Country Planning | PH (DAP) | Jawi | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Sundarajoo Somu | Housing Environment | PH (DAP) | Perai | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Fahmi Zainol | Agrotechnology & Food Security Cooperative Development | PH (PKR) | Pantai Jerejak | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |
| Rashidi Zinol | Trade and Entrepreneurial Development Rural Development | BN (UMNO) | Sungai Acheh | 16 August 2023 | Incumbent |

### Ex officio members

The state secretary, the state legal adviser and the state financial officer are the ex officio members of the Executive Council.
| Name | Position |
| Haji Zulkifli Long | State Secretary |
| Wan Nor Sakina | State Legal Adviser |
| Zabidah Safar | State Financial Officer |

## Former membership
### Chow Kon Yeow I EXCO (2018–2023)

* PH (11)
* DAP (8)
* PKR (3)
Members from 14 May 2018 to 13 August 2023 were :
| Name | Portfolio | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Chow Kon Yeow MP (Chief Minister) | Land Affairs and Development Communication | DAP | Padang Kota | 14 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman (Deputy Chief Minister I) | Cooperative Islamic Affairs Community Empowerment | PKR | Pinang Tunggal | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Ramasamy Palanisamy (Deputy Chief Minister II) | Education Human Capital Development | DAP | Perai | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Jagdeep Singh Deo | Local Government Housing Urban and Rural Planning | DAP | Datok Keramat | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Zairil Khir Johari | Infrastructure Transportation | DAP | Tanjong Bunga | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Abdul Halim Hussain | Trade and Industry Entrepreneurial Development | PKR | Batu Maung | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Dr. Afif Bahardin | Agriculture Agro-based Industries Rural Development Health | PKR | Seberang Jaya | 16 May 2018 | 4 March 2020 |
| Norlela Ariffin | Agriculture Agro-based Industries Rural Development Health | PKR | Penanti | 12 March 2020 | 13 August 2023 |
| Phee Boon Poh | Welfare Environment | DAP | Sungai Puyu | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Chong Eng | Social Development Non-Islamic Religious Affairs | DAP | Padang Lalang | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Yeoh Soon Hin | Tourism Creative Economy | DAP | Paya Terubong | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |
| Soon Lip Chee | Youth Sports | DAP | Bagan Jermal | 16 May 2018 | 13 August 2023 |

### Lim Guan Eng II EXCO (2013–2018)

DAP (8) PKR (3)
Members from 2013 to 2018 were :
| Name | Portfolio | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Lim Guan Eng (Chief Minister) | Land Affairs and Land Development Information Heritage & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs | DAP | Air Putih | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Mohd Rashid Hasnon (Deputy Chief Minister I) | Industrial Development International Trade Cooperatives and Community Relations Entrepreneur Development | PKR | Pantai Jerejak | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Ramasamy Palanisamy (Deputy Chief Minister II) | State Economic Planning Education Human Resources Science, Technology and Innovation | DAP | Perai | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Chow Kon Yeow | Local Government Traffic Management Flood Mitigation | DAP | Padang Kota | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Lim Hock Seng | Public Works Utilities (Energy, Water and Telecom) Transport (Air, Sea and Train) | DAP | Bagan Jermal | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Law Heng Kiang | Tourism Development Culture | DAP | Batu Lancang | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Phee Boon Poh | Welfare Caring Society Environment | DAP | Sungai Puyu | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Jagdeep Singh Deo | Town Rural Planning Housing | DAP | Datok Keramat | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Chong Eng | Youth and Sports Women, Family Community Development Arts | DAP | Padang Lalang | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Abdul Malik Abul Kassim | Religious Affairs Domestic Trade Consumer Affairs | PKR | Batu Maung | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |
| Dr. Afif Bahardin | Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry Rural Development Health | PKR | Seberang Jaya | 9 May 2013 | 2018 |

### Lim Guan Eng I EXCO (2008–2013)

DAP (8) PKR (3)
Members from 2008 to 2013 were :
| Name | Portfolio | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Lim Guan Eng (Chief Minister) | Industrial Development International Trade Land Affairs Land Development | DAP | Air Putih | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin (Deputy Chief Minister I) | Religious Affairs Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Information Community Relations | PKR | Penanti | 13 March 2008 | 2009 |
| Mansor Othman (Deputy Chief Minister I) | Religious Affairs Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Information Community Relations | PKR | Penanti | 2009 | 8 May 2013 |
| Ramasamy Palanisamy (Deputy Chief Minister II) | State Economic Planning Education Human Resources Science, Technology and Innovation. | DAP | Perai | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Chow Kon Yeow | Local Government Traffic Management Environment | DAP | Padang Kota | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Lim Hock Seng | Public Works Utilities (Energy, Water and Telecom) Transport (Air, Sea and Train) | DAP | Bagan Jermal | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Law Heng Kiang | Tourism Development Culture Arts Heritage | DAP | Batu Lancang | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Phee Boon Poh | Health Welfare Caring Society | DAP | Sungai Puyu | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Wong Hon Wai | Housing Urban Rural Planning | DAP | Air Itam | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Ong Kok Fooi | Youth and Sports Women, Family and Community Development | DAP | Berapit | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Abdul Malik Abul Kassim | Domestic Trade Consumer Affairs | PKR | Batu Maung | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |
| Law Choo Kiang | Agriculture Agro-based Industries Rural Development Flood Mitigation | PKR | Bukit Tambun | 13 March 2008 | 8 May 2013 |

### Koh Tsu Koon IV EXCO (2004–2008)

* BN (11)
* Gerakan (4)
* UMNO (4)
* MCA (2)
* MIC (1)
Members from 2004 to 2008 were :
| Name | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Koh Tsu Koon (Chief Minister) | Gerakan | Tanjong Bunga | 2004 | 2008 |
| Abdul Rashid Abdullah (Deputy Chief Minister) | UMNO | Sungai Bakap | 2004 | 2008 |
| Teng Hock Nan | Gerakan | Pulau Tikus | 2004 | 2008 |
| Toh Kin Woon | Gerakan | Machang Bubok | 2004 | 2008 |
| Teng Chang Yeow | Gerakan | Padang Kota | 2004 | 2008 |
| Azhar Ibrahim | UMNO | Penaga | 2004 | 2008 |
| Jahara Hamid | UMNO | Telok Ayer Tawar | 2004 | 2008 |
| Syed Amerruddin Syed Ahmad | UMNO | Bayan Lepas | 2004 | 2008 |
| Koay Kar Huah | MCA | Seri Delima | 2004 | 2008 |
| Lau Chiek Tuan | MCA | Berapit | 2004 | 2008 |
| Subbaiyah Palaniappan | MIC | Bagan Dalam | 2004 | 2008 |

### Koh Tsu Koon III EXCO (1999–2004)

* BN (11)
* Gerakan (4)
* UMNO (4)
* MCA (2)
* MIC (1)
Members from 1999 to 2004 were :
| Name | Portfolio | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Koh Tsu Koon (Chief Minister) | | Gerakan | Tanjong Bunga | 1999 | 2004 |
| Hilmi Yahaya (Deputy Chief Minister) | Religion Land Affairs Planning and Coordination of Development Programmes | UMNO | Telok Bahang | 1999 | 2004 |
| Kee Phaik Cheen | Tourism, Culture, Arts Women Development | Gerakan | Batu Uban | 1999 | 2004 |
| Toh Kin Woon | Economic Planning Education Human Development | Gerakan | Machang Bubok | 1999 | 2004 |
| Teng Hock Nan | Local Government Environment Traffic Management | Gerakan | Kebun Bunga | 1999 | 2004 |
| Abdul Rashid Abdullah | Housing Entrepreneur Cooperative Development | UMNO | Sungai Acheh | 1999 | 2004 |
| Azhar Ibrahim | Agriculture Fisheries Rural Development | UMNO | Penaga | 1999 | 2004 |
| Jahara Hamid | Youth and Sports Information National Unity | UMNO | Telok Ayer Tawar | 1999 | 2004 |
| Koay Kar Huah | Works Public Amenities Transport | MCA | Bukit Gelugor | 1999 | 2004 |
| Loh Hock Hun | Trade Commerce Consumer Affairs | MCA | Paya Terubong | 1999 | 2004 |
| Rajapathy Kuppusamy | Health Welfare Caring Society | MIC | Perai | 1999 | 2004 |

### Koh Tsu Koon II EXCO (1995–1999)

* BN (11)
* Gerakan (1)
Members from 1995 to 1999 were :
| Name | Portfolio | Party | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Koh Tsu Koon (Chief Minister) | | | Gerakan | Tanjong Bunga | 1995 | 1999 |

### Koh Tsu Koon I EXCO (1990–1995)

* BN (9)
* Gerakan (4)
* UMNO (5)
Members from 1990 to 1995 were :
| Name | Portfolio | Party | Constituency | Term start | Term end |
| Koh Tsu Koon (Chief Minister) | | Gerakan | Tanjong Bunga | 1990 | 1995 |
| Ibrahim Saad (Deputy Chief Minister) | Land Development Industrial Planning | UMNO | Seberang Jaya | 1990 | 1995 |
| Goh Cheng Teik | Local Government New Villages Development | Gerakan | Sungai Bakap | 1990 | 1995 |
| Zakaria Bakar | Housing Environment | UMNO | Ara Rendang | 1990 | 1995 |
| Kee Phaik Cheen | Tourism Youth Sports Welfare | Gerakan | Batu Uban | 1990 | 1995 |
| Yahaya Abdul Hamid | Agriculture Rural Development | UMNO | Pinang Tunggal | 1990 | 1995 |
| Kang Chin Seng | Science Technology Human Resources Development | Gerakan | Sungai Pinang | 1990 | 1995 |
| Ibrahim Yaakob | Religious Affairs Education Culture Health | UMNO | Sungai Acheh | 1990 | 1995 |
| Hilmi Yahaya | Infrastructure Public Utilities | UMNO | Telok Bahang | 1990 | 1995 |