Penang is also the only Malaysian state which appoints two Deputy Chief Ministers - one representing the Malay community and the other an ethnic Indian.

[1] This serves to shape a top leadership consisting of various backgrounds, representing the diverse ethnicities of the state.

After Gerakan joined Barisan Nasional, it was held by its component party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) to represent of Malay Community, the post of chief minister was held by Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (GERAKAN) due to Penang population were majority Chinese.

The new Pakatan Rakyat chief minister Lim Guan Eng appointed two deputy chief minister, one is represent of Malay Community and one is represent of ethnic Indian.

[1] Ramasamy was elected to the Malaysian Parliament and Penang State Legislative Assembly in the 2008 election, defeating former Chief Minister of Penang Koh Tsu Koon.