Gerakan won't end up in museum under president Lau, says sec-gen

Gerakan would not end up in the museum under the leadership of its president Dominic Lau as claimed by a grassroots leader, said party secretary-general Mak Kah Keong.

He said the party has bucked up immediately after quitting BN following the defeat of the coalition in the 2018 general election. 

"Gerakan is still committed in its political struggle. The party has not disappeared," Mak (above) told Malaysiakini.

He added that the party had from time to time reviewed its strategy and direction.

"We have pulled ourselves together and we worked very hard (after BN's defeat). As for returning to our peak when we had (government) posts, it may take time," he said.

Mak was responding to Muntri Street branch chairperson Jason Loo who called for Lau to be replaced in an open letter to the party central committee yesterday.

Loo criticised Lau's political acumen and alleged craze for publicity which he said led to Lau wasting time needed to revive the party.

“Change the president now or Gerakan will be a museum piece forever," said Loo, who added that Lau (photo) had stooped so low in politics.

When asked about Loo's claim that Gerakan will end up in museum under the current leadership of Lau, Mak said: "No."

Loo named few incidents, such as when Lau invited Dr Mahathir Mohamad as guest-of-honour at Gerakan's Chinese New Year Open House, declared support for Anwar Ibrahim in the Port Dickson by-election, offered Azmin Ali a place in Gerakan during the "Sheraton Move" and the latest, where he backed Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister.

Lau took over the presidency in November 2018 after the party was completely wiped out in the 14th general election and left the BN coalition.

According to Mak, whatever said and done by Lau were also the decision of the Gerakan central committee.

"Why should the president step down? He has been very hardworking and he does what he should do," he added.

Mak said it is never easy for Lau who took over the party when it was going through a tough path with no official posts in the government.

He alleged that Loo only took an opportunistic attack against the president ahead of the party election which will be held next year.

"This is (as though) pursuing one's advancement at the expense of the president," Mak said.

Loo had plenty of opportunities to voice his opinion via party channels, including the general assembly, but never did so, he added.  - Mkini