Teng as new Gerakan boss?

Gerakan, which is at a political crossroad, is likely to see a three-way tussle for the president’s post.

PETALING JAYA: As Gerakan begins its multi-levels elections, early indications from the ground are that former party secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow is a favourite to take over the party.

A Gerakan insider told FMT that many  members are throwing their supports behind Teng for the president’s  post due to his frank and aggressive manner.

“Although Teng has failed to recapture Penang for BN, he possesses that kind of leadership quality, and he is outspoken and bold.

“If he becomes the party president, Gerakan will have the negotiating  power with the prime minister,” said the source from within Wanita Gerakan.

Teng was appointed as Penang BN chief to lead the coalition’s assault on the island state in the 13th General Election.

He subsequently quit all his posts after Pakatan Rakyat retained Penang with a bigger majority.

Gerakan is at the crossroad following its dismal showings in the polls which saw it winning only one out of 11 parliamentary seats and three out of 31 state seats contested.

None of its senior party leaders scored victories in Peninsular Malaysia except for deputy secretary-general Liang Teck Meng, who won the Simpang Renggam parliamentary seat in Johor.

Following that, Gerakan chief Koh Tsu Koon reisgned and the party is now hoping that the upcoming central committee polls on Oct 26 would elect a new leadership that can rejuvenate the party.

“Chang is unpopular”

Although Teng has yet to announce his plan for the party polls, the Gerakan insider said it is very likely that there would be a three-way tussle for the president post.

This involves Gerakan acting president Chang Ko Youn, vice president Chia Kwang Chye and Teng.

“Chang is not really a good choice, he doesn’t have solid points in his speech. If he is contesting I don’t think a lot of people will vote for him.

“Chia is the second option after Teng. But he is ageing (62 years old), it remains to be seen whether he wants to contest or not,” she said.

The party source also did not discount the prospect of Sabah leaders taking more prominent roles in Gerakan, having  contributed two state seats (Tanjung Papat and Elopura) to the party.

“In Gerakan, those who have seats are more likely to win in party elections. So if (Tanjung Papat rep and Sabah deputy chief minister) Raymond Tan wants to contest for deputy president post, he might win.

“Although he is as soft-spoken as Chang, at least what he talks make sense,” the source said.

Tan, who is the current Gerakan vice-president, only joined Gerakan in 2009 after SAPP pulled out from BN.

The source also said Liong may want to challenge the secretary-general post since he is the only MP in Gerakan.

Under Gerakan polls structure, the party senior posts are elected directly by some 1760 national delegates, who make up by the division chairmen and deputy nationwide.

However, the party president can appoint up to five vice-presidents, on the top of three elected VP posts.

There are also 18 elected central committee member positions up for grab.

The party’s branch level nominations began last Wednesday and will culminate in the presidential polls in October.