KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 3, 2008): Gerakan's national delegates conference next week will not feature any debate on whether the party should leave the Barisan Nasional, an issue that has been in the news lately, its secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye said today.
Chia said this is because he has yet to receive any resolution on this matter from any state. He said he had only received five resolutions -- on human rights, politics, economy, education and party affairs.
"However, if the delegates wish to express their views on this matter (of BN membership), they can still touch on during the debate on the president's speech, but since it is not a resolution, no decision will be taken," he told a media briefing on the NDC.
Asked whether there is a need for an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) on the issue, Chia said if there is a need, the new central working committee will decide on it.
This year's NDC, on the theme "Satu Hati Gerak Bersama" (Together we move forward) will be held on Oct 11 and 12 and see the participation of 2,081 delegates.
"I expect 80% of the delegates will turn up for the NDC as there will be an election. We will also spend only the first day to debate on the president's speech and we will use the second day to debate on our five resolutions," Chia said.
Chia, who had earlier announced that he would not contesting any post this time, said he will receive nomination forms from candidates in the central election as a "neutral" party.
On his future plan in the party, Chia said since he is not contesting any post in the elections, he will also decline any appointment in the party.
He said he has served the party as secretary-general for nine years and "it is only fair for young people to take over the post". "I will continue to serve in the party and contribute to political development in a different capacity," he said.
Chia had contested against party vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan in the Penang election last month for the state chairman's post and lost to Teng by just 10 votes. It is believed this loss contributed to his decision to not contest any post during the NDC.
To a question, Chia said he is still fit to continue in politics and will not retire now.
Asked for his comment on his relationship with acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Teng, an "Iron Triangle" which he had earlier described as "rusted", Chia had refused to say more.
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