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by Giam Say Khoon PETALING JAYA (Oct 03, 2008): With Gerakan’s nomination for its triennial party election to be held on Saturday, will its acting president, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, be challenged in view of “uncertainties” in the party, including calls by members to leave Barisan Nasional (BN)?
According to political analysts, too many “negative things” have happened in the party since the March general election and Koh, who is standing for the president’s post, may not find it all that smooth sailing. “The defeat in the general election, which cost Gerakan to lose Penang to the Opposition, had dented the people’s impression of Koh’s ability to lead the party,” said one observer. “This had also triggered dissatisfaction among the members, especially those who were the supporters of former deputy president Datuk Seri Kerk Choo Ting. “The departure of veteran leaders like former Federal Territories chief Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong and former Wanita chief Datuk Rhina Bhar had also reflected badly on Koh. Although it was not his fault, grassroots members may think that it was because of Koh’s inability that these veteran leaders had chosen to leave.” Analysts also saw that Koh’s recent change in his tone – from a strong believer of BN to an admission that 60% of members wish to quit BN – showed that he was facing pressure within the party. However, a party insider said Koh has maintained a cordial relationship with the central working committee and the top leadership and was unlikely to face any challenge. “He was chosen by the delegates to become (Tun Dr) Lim Keng Yaik’s successor over Kerk, who was obviously more senior than him, so he is actually accepted by the delegates. Anyone who wished to challenge him must have nothing to lose,” the party member said. Party secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye has announced he will not contest any post in the elections after losing to vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nam in the contest for the state chief post. It is likely that he will be appointed as the secretary-general for another term. On the deputy’s post, a party insider said it was a matter of whether the delegates wanted to maintain the tradition of the top two posts being held by either leaders from Penang or Perak, which has largest number of delegates. He said Teng is qualified to be the deputy president, but if the party tradition were to be followed, he would have to make way for a Perak candidate, namely state liaison chief and vice-president Datuk Chang Ko Youn. Although incumbent vice-president Datuk Dr. S. Vijayaratnam, who is from Negri Sembilan, has yet to make any announcement, it is difficult for him to win the No. 2 post without any ministerial post and he is very likely to defend his current post. New vice-presidency hopefuls include Ampang and Bukit Indah division chairman G. Parameswara, outgoing Youth chief Datuk Mah Siew Keong and Youth vice-chairman Heng Cheng Guan. Party sources also said the youth wing will see a three-cornered fight for the chief’s post among incumbent youth deputy chairman Lim Si Pin, Negri Sembilan youth chief Chai Tek Loong and Kedah youth chief Tan Keng Liang. Wanita chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe is expected to retain her post uncontested. - The Sun
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All these years, I can only remember the infamous Lim Can Yak Yak Yak Yak all the way to the bank with his ill gotten wealth. I have no idea and have not seen any positive things done by these Gerakkan members except behaving like a group of pondan...ah kua for the last few months!