DAP views BN's appointment of Penang Umno Youth chief Shaik Hussein Mydin to spearhead the coalition's election machinery as indication of state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow's "lack of power" in leading the pack.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's political secretary Ng Wei Aik pointed out this was despite Teng's claims as the only "commander, captain and general" of the BN coalition in Penang.

NONE "What kind of commander or general is this that he has to let Umno take over the election campaign?" queried Ng, who is state DAP's secretary and Socialist Youth chief, when contacted.

"It seems he has no power in Penang. It looks like Umno is still controlling everything and Teng ( left ) now looks like another Koh Tsu Koon," laughed the Komtar assemblyman.

Federal Minister Koh, former state BN chief and Gerakan president, is often seen as "weak and accommodating" to Umno when he was Penang chief minister for 18 years, prior to 2008.

He added that even before becoming chief minister should BN recapture Penang, Teng is already under Umno's thumb.

"If he happens to become CM, he will not have full authority like his former boss," said Ng, referring to the convention that the state BN chief would usually be appointed the state's head of government.

"Of course, Gerakan and MCA - the two Chinese dominant parties - need Umno in the coming polls, how else can they make it?" he said.

Not likely to contest in GE

Ng was referring to Teng's announcement on Thursday that Shaik Hussein would be leading the coming election machinery as he would not be contesting in the general election, which must be held by June next year.

Shaik Hussein has since told Malaysiakini that he is not "heading" the post but would mostly act as a coordinator and implementer of the state BN's election strategies.

NONE Amused at Ng's outburst, Shaik Hussain ( right ) urged the former not to be envious of his new appointment.

He further refuted allegations that Teng, a former state executive councillor, lacks power in the BN coalition.

"My appointment shows that Teng appreciates the opinions of Umno Youth, that he is willing to hear our ideas and work together with us," Shaik Hussein said.

"It is not Umno's or my decision alone (to be appointed to the post) but the decision of the whole team," he added.

Shaik Hussein, who is Bagan Umno chief, said Teng assigned him the post as he is likely not be contesting in the elections.

Bagan, situated in the mainland, happens to be the parliamentary constituency held by Lim, a seat contested by MCA but is a DAP stronghold.

However, if he ends up being a candidate - which will be decided by Prime Minister and national BN chief Najib Razak - Teng may have to find another coordinator, Shaik Hussein added.

"So tell Ng not to feel so much tension. Is it because we have new strategies and different ways to fight the battle? The old ways cannot be used anymore," said Shaik Hussein.

'Lim may not win two-thirds majority'

Shaik Hussein, who is an engineer by profession, said his main task would be analysing the trends and opportunities for constituencies to focus on during the election campaign.

The state's mixed-constituencies would be crucial, he added, as victory in these seats would depend on those still sitting on the fence.

NONE "We want to win Penang but whether we win or not depends on the people," he said.

Asked about how Umno will address the Chinese-majority areas, Shaik Hussein said that the community comprise "smart voters".

"They (voters) also never thought that DAP would win with a big majority in 2008. These days, many issues like hillslope development and the rise in density mostly affect urban areas," he noted.

"Chinese voters usually think carefully. They may want to give Lim ( above ) another term this time around, we cannot be sure. But perhaps, if they do, he may not win a two-thirds majority."