Four leaders eyeing Gerakan chief's post

Despite a dismal performance at the 13th general elections, Gerakan has as many as four hopefuls eyeing the party's top post in internal polls later this month.

They are acting president Chang Ko Youn, secretary-general Mah Siew Kong, former secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye and Penang Gerakan chief Teng Chang Yeow.

When contacted, Teng said he was mulling on whether to take on the suggestion from his supporters for him to join the party's president race.

"There many negative things hurled at me - that I am not perfect. I am also a human being and I'm sometimes affected by the comments made about me," Teng told Malaysiakini.

"I have been told that I am too strong a character, too decisive and a fighting cock - that I am not suitable to be Gerakan president."

Teng said some quarters felt that he should focus his energy in Penang. But there are others among his supporters who said he has the capability and vision for the top post.

"So I am still weighing the situation. I am not procrastinating over this decision but sometimes, we do not have to be in a hurry to make such a decision," he said.

Teng added that since Gerakan polls are democratic, delegates can suggest or nominate anyone they want for the top post in Gerakan, which will see nominations open this weekend, Oct 19.

The delegates would then vote for their president on Oct 26, the first day of the National Delegates Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Mah to make announcement

Mah, on the hand, said that party leaders are currently discussing whether Gerakan should see such an all-out battle.

"Nothing has been finalised. The leaders are still in the process of discussion. We do not want the fight to become like MCA because that would be bad for the party," said Mah, referring to the open war between their ally's outgoing president Dr Chua Soi Lek and his deputy, Liow Tiong Lai.

"Whatever it is, I hope we will have a friendly contest in the spirit of Gerakan," he added.

On the possibility of four contestants gunning for the post, Mah said "everyone has many grassroot supporters urging them to go for the fight but we shall all discuss first and decide in a few days".

Chang, when contacted by Malaysiakini, was upset with a China Press news alert sent out earlier which said he would not be contesting the post.

"I have not made up my mind yet. I will have a press conference on Thursday to announce my decision," he said.

He concurred with Mah, saying "our leaders and delegates are discussing the matter as we have now several people like Teng, Mah and Chia who are interested in the post".