Gerakan split on whether to remain in PN, says source

 

Many of Gerakan’s members are allegedly unhappy with the party’s continued membership in Perikatan Nasional. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Gerakan is said to be split down the middle as to whether to remain in Perikatan Nasional in view of the ever-increasing racial and religious rhetoric preached by PAS.

A party insider who spoke on condition of anonymity claimed that many of its members are unhappy with the Islamic party’s statements which generally target non-Malays and non-Muslims.

“The discontented members do not want the party to be associated with PAS,” said the source.

However, they also do not want to push for the party to quit the coalition so as not to rock the boat, the source added.

The source said it was evident from the 2022 general elections that the party’s relationship with PAS had alienated Gerakan’s non-Malay voters.

“Some voters I met told me, ‘I like your candidate, but you are with PAS, so I cannot support you.’ The scenario is similar to when we were campaigning with Umno under Barisan Nasional in the 14th general election.”

The source went on to say that the remaining 50% prefers to stick with PN, citing PAS’ strength as a major factor.

Some members view PAS’ large support base as an advantage for Gerakan, the source said.

PAS won 49 seats in the last general election, the highest number won by the parties that contested at GE 15 last year.

The source also revealed that members who were keen on remaining in PN have gotten used to PAS’ approach, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu.

“Kedah Gerakan is happy to be with PN because they would be part of the state government (if PN retains Kedah).”

The source also admitted that those who are keen on remaining in PN feel that the party is being given more prominence now than when it was in BN, since BN viewed Gerakan as a “minor party” and “secondary to MCA”.

Recently, Federal Territories Gerakan chief Lau Hoi Keong said he would review the party’s PN membership if elected party president.

However, another Gerakan insider said members generally have no objection to the party remaining in PN.

“A lot of members do not agree with Gerakan exiting PN because they know that once we are out, we can never get back in,” he told FMT, adding that the party had a good working relationship with PAS and Bersatu.

He also said that the members have also agreed that Gerakan cannot revert to being a “third force” as was the case when the party quit BN in 2018 and prior to it joining PN in 2021.

The insider also acknowledged that Gerakan’s views are taken more seriously than when it was with BN.

“In PN, we have the freedom to speak up at meetings. In BN, we did not because Umno acted like a ‘taiko’ (big boss).”

“We can only talk but Umno will make the final decision. But in PN, Muhyiddin Yassin will ask us (component parties) for our views at meetings. There is greater freedom of speech in PN for Gerakan.” - FMT