The question persists: Will Koh quit?

Some say he has decided to give up his leadership positions and make an announcement tomorrow, but others fear he will change his mind.

GEORGE TOWN: Although it was announced yesterday as if it was big news, Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon’s decision against contesting in the coming election has been expected for some time.

The writing has been on the wall for the veteran politician since his party was knocked off its Penang perch in the 2008 election.

Fairly or unfairly, much of the blame for the humiliation has been laid on Koh—by party leaders, grassroots members and even veterans in retirement or semi-retirement. And it did not take long for some of them to begin a whispering campaign to reduce his powers, if not completely blot him out of the political landscape.

One aspect of that campaign was the start of a rumour that he would not contest in the 13th general election. It spread and, as we have seen, eventually became fact.

Indeed, Koh himself gave indications a few months ago that his imminent withdrawal into the background was more than mere rumour. At a press conference called by Penang Barisan Nasional, he refused to give straight answers to questions about his political future.

In the weeks leading to yesterday’s announcement, his critics were no longer whispering; they were practically shouting at him to relinquish both his presidency and his leadership of Penang Barisan Nasional, saying that was the only way to save Gerakan from fading further into oblivion.

Many were therefore disappointed with yesterday’s announcement. They thought he would resign as both Gerakan president and state BN chief.

However, there are sources who believe he may make the awaited announcement tomorrow, after a meeting of the Gerakan Central Committee in Penang.

They told FMT that Koh had informed Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak about relinquishing the two positions.

They said Chang Ko Youn, currently deputy president of the party, would become acting president of the party and secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow would take the helm of Penang BN.

Another flip-flop?

However, some party members fear that he may make another U-turn.

“He has flip-flopped before with many crucial decisions,” a party man told FMT. “Many of us will not be surprised if he makes one more U-turn.”

If it is true that Teng Chang Yeow will take over the state BN leadership, it will be a huge blow to the older Dr Teng Hock Nan (photo), a close friend of Koh’s. Dr Teng currently heads Penang Gerakan and is vice president at national level.

The BN appointment may indicate that the younger Teng will eventually replace Dr Teng at state level.

It is an open secret that the younger Teng was instrumental in the formation of Moving Gerakan, the grassroots movement that tried but failed to oust Dr Teng through a no-confidence vote on Oct 10 last year.

The group had the support of party vice president Chia Kwang Chye, who is also a member of the state liaison committee. However, FMT’s sources recalled, Chia was less than enthusiastic when it was suggested, before the motion of no confidence was tabled, that the younger Teng should take over Dr Teng’s job.

Some predict that Chia, who is nicknamed “Smiling Tiger”, will mount a challenge should the leadership of Penang Gerakan be given to the younger Teng, who is said to be Koh’s blue-eyed boy.

Among top Gerakan leaders, Chia is said to have the strongest grassroots support. He also has a reputation as a capable organiser, proven during his tenure as secretary-general.

Some speculate Chia might even go for the presidency.

So, while things are bad for Gerakan under Koh, they do not look good for him either. If the Smiling Tiger decides to pounce on its preys, the party is set for another turbulent period.