Speaking to reporters at Komtar, he said the state constitution does not specify that the governor has to be from Penang.
“Being a native Penangite is not a prerequisite to serve as governor.
“In the history of past governors, non-natives have been appointed, based on their status, experience, qualification and other qualities.”
Chow was asked if the state would consider appointing a native Penangite when nominating the next governor.
This follows reports that the present governor, Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, might not have his term extended and could be replaced by a non-Penangite.
Fuzi’s four-year term ends next month.
Chow said non-native governors have served in Melaka, too, adding that some were former politicians.
He also reiterated that the appointment of the governor is at the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with the state merely providing a list of names to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Chow then fended off questions on the number of names sent to the Prime Minister’s Office, or if the state had requested that the term of the present governor be extended.
“I will not add on to what I have already said since this matter falls under the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
“We have fulfilled whatever is within our responsibility and we will make an announcement at an appropriate time.
“We have sent our governor’s name through the PM’s office,” he said.
The Penang governor is a ceremonial head of state with the power to form and dissolve the state assembly.
The first post-Merdeka governor of Penang was Raja Uda Raja Muhammad, a Selangor royal and former menteri besar. He was succeeded by two Kedahans: Syed Sheh Shahabudin and retired judge Syed Sheh Syed Hassan Barakbah.
The fourth and fifth governors, Sardon Jubir and Dr Awang Hassan, were Johoreans and Umno politicians. Awang was a medical specialist.
The sixth governor, Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, was from Perak, while Abdul Rahman Abbas became the first Penang native to hold the post when serving from 2001 to 2021.
The current governor, Fuzi, is also a Penangite.