GEORGE TOWN, April 30 — All Pakatan Harapan (PH) assemblymen in Penang are expected to defend their state seats in the upcoming election.

Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow said none of the incumbents have indicated so far that they might want to relinquish their seats.

He also said that Penang PH had sorted the seat allocations among its component parties, but the final decision will depend on discussions the central PH leadership will have with its other political allies.

"We have arrived at a decision but since this time the state elections will involve another coalition outside of PH, the final decision will depend on discussions with Umno from Barisan Nasional,” he told reporters after officiating the Penang Wesak Celebration Day here today.

"After the meeting with Umno, we believe we will go back to our existing seats,” he added.

He said the meeting with Umno will be held next week.

Chow reiterated that PH’s original principle was for the incumbent assemblymen to defend their own seats unless they chose not to run in the election.

He added that PH needs to see what Umno’s plans are.

Chow said PH is open to swapping seats with Umno in Penang if the PH incumbent decides not to seek reelection.

"If they want to release a seat here to get another seat outside of Penang, this can still be discussed,” he said.

Penang has a total of 40 state seats and in the 2018 general elections, PH had won 37 seats, when Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) was still part of the coalition.

BN had two seats, PPBM four seats while PAS had one seat, Penaga.

Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid (DAP) will not be defending her state seat as she is currently the MP for Bukit Bendera.

Former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, who gave way for Syerleena to defend his seat, is expected to contest in the state elections.