Penang is shaping up to be a major battleground between the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition and the opposition in the 2008 general elections. After all, it is the home state of two key leaders - Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.
With a swing against the government among Chinese and Indian voters, the opposition is expected to pick up more seats at the expense of Gerakan, MCA and MIC - the three parties representing the two minority communities in BN.
The focus will again on how well DAP - the main opposition party in the state - will do this time in this Chinese-majority state. Its best ever showing was in 1990 when it came close toppling the Gerakan-led government by grabbing 14 state seats.
Since then it has been a downhill slide. In the 1995 election, DAP was roundly routed ending up with one solitary seat. In 1999, the opposition secured three seats - DAP 1, PKR 1 and PAS 1. But it failed to improve on its standing in 2004 - DAP and PAS picked up a seat each while PKR was left empty-handed.
Another interesting question is whether Umno will finally claim leadership in Penang - the only state in Peninsular Malaysia under BN rule which is not governed by the ruling party. Pressure will mount for Umno to take the helm should Gerakan and MCA suffer massive defeat.
Malaysiakini
has compiled the following reports on the battle for Penang. There will be more reports to come.News
Motorola, toll issues: Opposition demands answers
'Silicon Valley' a hotbed for voter dissent
70% toll hike slated for Penang bridge
History is against Koh to win seat
Contract for investment: Koh asked to explain
No announcement on Penang CM for now
Koh fails to stop - just looks and goes
10,000 pack indoor stadium for DAP, PKR speakers
Hock Nan: I was told be prepared to be CM
Crucifix poster stirs controversy
Letter: Penang 'bribed' Motorola to stay
'Sure win' in Pengkalan Kota, but not Tanjung
Crucifix poster stirs controversy
A different Teng as Koh's successor?
48 hours for outgoing Penang CM
Najib launches blistering attack on opposition
Kit Siang still pulls in the crowd
Jeff Ooi - from digital to political clout?
Samy: Not shoe, they threw atomic bomb
Opposition zooms in on the economy
Wan Azizah's plea for 'votes of hope'
Guan Eng vies for Air Putih state seat
Next Penang CM: Koh mum, Chia glum
Koh to contest Batu Kawan, Chia's out of CM race
Penang: Guan Eng opts for Bagan
'Phantoms' rock electoral rolls
Permatang Pauh: Hilmi vs Wan Azizah?
Penang MCA looking at a fresh lineup
Candidates coy on CM appointment
DAP: Penang economy on slippery slope
Anwar hints at election comeback in Penang
The Umno factor in Penang politics
DAP targets Penang Indian voters
Analysis
Split votes could give DAP the heartache
2008 equals 1986?
Possibly a dozen seats 'at risk'
Letters to the editor
Opposition can kiss goodbye to Penang unless...
Penang doesn't need more bureaucrats
Let Penang be groundswell for change
Penangites shouldn't try to be smart
Finally, a chance to wrest Penang
Penangites shouldn't try to be smart
