We’re still relevant despite heavy polls losses, Gerakan tells DAP

 

Dominic Lau (left) tells Loke Siew Fook that unlike DAP, Gerakan has principles.

PETALING JAYA: Gerakan claims it is still relevant in the political landscape despite its continuous heavy losses in the past few general elections where it failed to win a single seat.

Responding to a recent call by DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook asking it to close shop in view of the people’s rejection of the party, Gerakan president Dominic Lau said despite not receiving support from the people, the party had principles and would fulfil its promises if given a mandate in the next election.

“Anthony Loke (Siew Fook) doesn’t know why Gerakan continues to be relevant despite losing several general elections.

“This is because Gerakan is unlike his party. DAP obtained its mandate by lying to the people, with empty promises,” the senator said, referring to Loke in a statement.

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Lau said DAP’s undelivered promises included having the school-leaving examination certificate for Chinese-medium high schools (or UEC), recognised, doing away with laws curbing freedom of expression in public universities and introducing local elections.

“What happened to these promises made during recent general elections?

“After coming to power, they remain quiet. These are mere lies made to win votes,” he said.

Gerakan once led Penang from 1969 to 2008 when it was part of Barisan Nasional. However, the party lost the state to DAP, which was part of the then Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition, in the 2008 general election.

After its poor showing in the 2018 general election and following the fall of the BN government for the first time in the nation’s history, Gerakan quit BN in June 2018. In February 2021, the party joined Perikatan Nasional. - FMT