GEORGE TOWN (Oct 7, 2008) : Newly-elected Penang Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan has withdrawn from the party's vice-presidential race in Saturday's central elections.
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That leaves nine candidates to fight it out for the three vice-presidents' posts up for grabs, including three Indians - incumbent Senator Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam, Ampang Gerakan chairman G. Parameswaran and party Youth vice-chief S. Paranjothy.
The sole Malay candidate is Kuala Selangor Gerakan secretary Dr Asharuddin Ahmad.
The other candidates are former Youth chief Datuk Mah Siew Keong, former Penang Youth chief Huan Cheng Guan, former Sabah chief Datuk Robin Loh, Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng and former Selangor Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Lum Weng Keong.
Teng said his decision was made to "further promote and project the party’s multi-racialism for all Malaysians which can be best represented by three vice-presidents.”
“It is my sincere hope that all national delegates can vote for a more multi-racial Gerakan for all Malaysians in the coming party elections," he stressed.
He added that he had the blessings of party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and adviser Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik.
When contacted later, Teng stressed that this was the first time in the memories of most members that there was such a multi-racial contest in the party.
"I find that this is the first time that all three main races are contesting for the post of vice-president,” he said. "I have to withdraw."
It is, however, believed that Teng has a chance of being appointed as a vice-president or at the least as a party central committee member.
Koh has the power to appoint up to five additional vice-presidents, and six non-elected party members into the central committee. --theSun
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