Back to 1974

By: Regina William (Mon, 27 Aug 2007)

Gerakan adviser Dr Lim Keng Yaik

PENANG: After 33 years, Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties seem to have forgotten why the coalition was formed in 1974, Gerakan’s national adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said yesterday. He said that these days, every issue was looked at with racial undertones.

"Why did we form Barisan Nasional in 1974? Why did Gerakan join Barisan Nasional?" he asked. "Because [Tun Abdul Razak] at that time said please join us to reduce politicking so that we can carry on with the development of the country. "We have now forgotten that," he told some 500 party members attending the Penang Gerakan annual delegates conference.

The Alliance was formed in 1952, comprising Umno and MCA, and later MIC. It later expanded with the inclusion of other parties, like Gerakan and the People’s Progressive Party, to form the BN. "It is 2007 now, and 33 years after the BN was formed, we have forgotten what Barisan Nasional is.

Even Barisan Nasional parties have forgotten the reason for bringing up Barisan Nasional. "Now it is ‘Lu toh lu, waa toh waa’ (Hokkien for you do your own thing and I do my own thing). "Everything is reflected in racial terms and nobody cares about Malaysian terms, nobody cares about Bangsa Malaysia, either Malays, Chinese, or Indians or others and I think we must come back to basics," Lim said.

"Gerakan must keep to its political ideology and philosophy and we have to hold fast to our non-racial approach, to look after the multi-racial people in this country, that is our political philosophy and ideology.

"We must engage that because the situation in the country, from what I see, is getting worse," he said. "Our stand must be a Bangsa Malaysia stand and not one based on race."

Also present were the party’s 34 central committee members, 287 delegates and 150 observers, including acting party president and Penang chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Lim said that Gerakan had a role to play to remind BN of its original objectives to reduce racial and religious politicking, and to concentrate on development. "In 1974, we were just starting to develop and we worked together to build the nation and we have come a long way in terms of development. "Now that we have ‘arrived’, we have forgotten our roots and our tendency is more on the differences between the various races and religions," he said.

"However, we are now facing globalisation and if we do not put our hearts and minds together, we are going to be wiped out. "Whatever gains we have made in the last 33 years will be thrown down the drain because we cannot keep up with the competition anymore ... we have to work harder to compete with the rest of the world and not among ourselves," he said. Lim observed that there was no shortage of people who played the race and religious cards, including those who were not politicians.

"If we go (on) like that, we will die standing la," he said. Commenting on Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim’s comment that Malaysia should consider doing away with English common law, Lim said it was not up to Ahmad Fairuz to decide on this.

Any change in the legal system would need to be passed by the legislature. "I don’t care, if he wants to send me to jail. Not much time left for me to be in jail anyway," said Lim, who had the delegates in stitches. To mark the 50th Merdeka, Gerakan has come up with T-shirts with the words "I love Malaysia" and "I love Penang", which were distributed at the conference. Koh called on the government not to make any drastic decision to do away with the English common law, which has been part of Malaysia’s legal system for more than 50 years.

"The government must ensure that the calls for change are not for emotional or political reasons. There is no need to change a system that has worked well," he said. He said improvements could be made to the legal system and to ensure that the judiciary functioned efficiently, without having to resort to changing the system drastically.

Referring to Ahmad Fairuz’s comments at a law seminar organised last week, Koh stressed the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the rule of law, which have built a good reputation for Malaysia among foreign investors.

"The English common law has worked well and must be maintained and we cannot allow this to be changed to a system which has yet to be tested, as it will damage our integrity and credibility and investors will lose confidence," he said. He said the removal of provisions under Section 5 of the Civil Law Act, which are related to trade and commerce, could affect investments.

Earlier, in his speech, Koh said Malaysians should not let their greatest strength, which is being multi-racial, multicultural and multi-religious, become a liability. He said these features of Malaysian society, including its multi-lingual ability, allowed the people to communicate with 75% of the world’s population. He said Malaysians must take full advantage of this. "If we’re squabbling among ourselves and fail to accept this multi-faceted asset, it can become a liability."

He called on Gerakan members to counter all forms of extremism."We cannot counter racism with racism, or we would be committing the same crime.We have to take a non-racial approach – the Bangsa Malaysia approach."

Lim praises theSun’s Malaysian approach.

PENANG: theSun was singled out at the Penang Gerakan annual delegates conference yesterday for being "Malaysian" in its reports and for not playing on communal sentiments.

Gerakan national adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik was chiding local newspapers for writing on issues with racial undertones. "The Chinese press takes one side and the Malay press takes another side," he said. "Is there any Malaysian press where we can talk as

Malaysians and as Bangsa Malaysia? Is there any?" he asked.

"theSun!" he said to applause from the delegates. Lim, who is energy, water and communications minister, said it would not augur well for the nation if all the newspapers resorted to reporting based on racial sentiments. Pointing at journalists covering the event, he said: "All of you newspapers, I am scolding you, but I think I have the right, after 35 years in politics, to scold you if you are doing the wrong thing.

"We must admit we are a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural country. "You cannot play on one race only. If you do that, you are going to burn us all alive and this is the message I give to our Gerakan members."

Chia not contesting due to 'unhealthy culture' in Gerakan

Kong See Hoh

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 7, 2008) : GERAKAN secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye says unhealthy culture in the party is a reason why he has decided not to run for any national post in the party central elections on Saturday.

Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye

Chia, who lost to vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nam in the contest for the Penang Gerakan chief post narrowly recently, said he had sensed the emergence of the unhealthy culture as early as the March general election.

"I feel that if I join the contest for a senior party post, the unhealthy culture might become worse. As such I have given up the contest, to see how I can improve and rectify the situation.

"If I were to contest, (I would) definitely have gone for the deputy president or president's post, which would likely result in tougher fights and an even more unhealthy situation," Chia said in explaining to Sin Chew Daily why he opted out of the contest, a decision which surprised many.

However, the former Bukit Bendera MP did not elaborate on what he meant by unhealthy culture in the party.

He also did not blame the Penang delegates for his defeat in Penang, saying what is important "is to accept and respect the decision of the delegates".

He said even if he had won the contest for the Penang Gerakan chief post, he would not have gone ahead to contest a national post as he wanted to put all his efforts in helping to rejuvenate Penang Gerakan, which he said "is important to the party although it is a small state".

He said he contested the state chief post because he wanted to revitalise Penang Gerakan with his years of experience as party secretary-general.

He said despite the defeat to Teng, he would remain focused in Penang, including cultivating a healthy political culture.

"As such, I will not explain anymore or look for reasons (why I lost). What I want to do is to look forward and forge ahead." --theSun

GERAKAN ELECTIONS: Teng not defending veep post

Himanshu Bhatt

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.

Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan

Teng, who secured the highest number of votes in the vice-presidential elections three years ago, said his decision was to give Indian and Malay candidates a stronger chance of being elected.

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

No debate on whether Gerakan will leave BN at delegates meet

Giam Say Khoon

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.

Three-corner fight for Gerakan Youth top post

Giam Say Khoon

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 3, 2008) : With Gerakan Youth chief Datuk Mah Siew Keong deciding to go for the vice-presidency, the youth wing top post saw election action again after 24 years of "no-contest".

The three contenders are incumbent deputy chief Lim Si Pin, Negri Sembilan youth chief Chai Tek Loong and Kedah youth chief Tan Keng Liang.

Lim, who claims to have the support of eight states (Malacca, Selangor, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur-Federal Territories, Perak , Sabah and
Kelantan), announced his manifesto titled "Leadership, Sincerity, Rejuvenation" after the nominations closed at noon today.

Lim, who is former president Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik's son, said the wing needed to formulate policy whereby the entire wing can work as a team.

Asked if he was using the "cai dan" (political menu) for the delegates to elect his entire team, Lim explained that the team members were not picked by him.

"The list belongs to them (the representatives from all states). It is not mine and the list is endorsed by the state Youth chiefs. At the lowest point of the history in the party, I want to seek the participation of all states. Without them, I think it is an uphill task for us (to rejuvenate the party)," he added.

Lim's opponent Chai also launched a manifesto titled "Expedite Reformation and March on Again". Chai said his intention to contest did not go down well with some party leaders who called him to get him to negotiate, so as not to cause a split in the wing.

The deputy chairman post was contested by Lim's running mate Paul Yong Yoon Kong, who was Negri Sembilan Youth chief, while Chai's running mate is Oh Tong
Keong.

The three vice-chairman posts saw a five-cornered fight with the participation of Stephen Doss, S. Vijayakumar, Liang Teck Meng, Vincent Hooi and David Ang Chin Tat.

There will also be a total of 28 candidates fighting for the 18 central committee membership.

Speaking to reporters after nominations closed for the Youth and Wanita wings today, Mah said the competition was good for the youth wing, noting that for this election, seven incumbents had reached their age limit of 45 and could not defend their posts any longer.

"Only two incumbent are still eligible to stay and contest for the nine top posts in the wing. We have also 10 new Youth chairmen in 11 states. This is a breakthrough in the democratic process. We did not stop anyone from participating in the election as the youth chief, deputy and vice-chairmen posts will all be contested by new candidates," he said.

Mah, who announced his decision to stand in the vice-president post yesterday, said he only hoped candidates would close ranks after the election and refrain from using personal attacks.

He said the party had 10 MPs and 30 state assemblymen before the March general election, but now has only two MPs and four assemblymen. "So we cannot afford to be split. We should accept the fact and not be disappointed.

"Some says the party will be destroyed after the general election, but today we see many candidates offering themselves in the party election and this
shows that many still want to serve in Gerakan," he added.

As for the Wanita wing, its Wanita chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe was returned unopposed.

However, Tan's incumbent deputy Datin Paduka Yong Dai Ying, who was Bukit Lanjan assemblyman, had chosen not to defend her post, resulting in a straight
fight between Ng Siew Lai and Ong Kim Suan.

The three vice-presidential posts for the wing will also see a four-cornered fight by Chin Nyuk Chin, Yong Fuie Moy, Eng GaiK Hong and Azmar Md Ilias.

A total of 19 candidates will also be contesting for 18 central commttee membership.

Chia admits rocky ties with Gerakan’s top two

PENANG, Oct 2 — For the first time, Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye has disclosed that his relationship with vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nam and acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon might "have lost its shine or rusted".

While the inner party circle has dubbed the trio as the “Iron Triangle”, Chia doubts that the cordial relationship, which they currently enjoyed, could be maintained due to "external interference".

"You cannot deny there is a contest (between him and Dr Teng for the Penang state chairman post). Whether they will bend or break the so-called triangle, I think it remains to be seen, and a subject to a lot of interpretation,

"Any relationship has to be genuine. If you have got that principle, you will not go wrong because you will not allow external interferences to influence you.

"Our society is not closed. There are external forces — what we call core of supporters. You cannot deny if there is any contest, there are members on the ground who behave differently from the leaders at the top," he told Bernama in an interview.

Chia said the maturity level was different for different people and if they allowed personal interest and hidden agendas to come into play, it would not be easy for the relationship to be maintained.

He said if the leaders subjected themselves to external interferences, it would get the members on the ground confused because as a leader, there was a need for them to send the right message to the grassroots.

Asked why he has been lying low after the Penang Gerakan election on Sept 21, where he lost in his bid to be elected as new state chairman to Dr Teng, Chia said it was only natural for him to lie low.

"My other principle is that all the delegates decided on who should be the state chairman. Let the new person have a hand to run it and carry out the task," he said.

On his relationship with Dr Teng after the state election, Chia refused to give any direct answer except to say: "Many questions have been asked on my relationship with Dr Teng, as well as with Dr Koh.

"So, at personal level, there is no point denying or commenting. This question never stops. Very tiresome in answering and giving the same answer all the time."

On the coming national delegates conference (NDC), Chia said the party elections were likely to overshadow what the party had done, while at the same time, did not rule out that the future of the party in the Barisan Nasional would be discussed by the delegates.

"This subject is mostly discussed in our dialogue. However, for the matter to be discussed at NDC, I have not received any official resolution or debate on whether to stay or leave the BN," he noted.

However, Chia said this did not mean the delegates would not raise the issue.

Any issue related to the party position in the BN should be discussed at the extraordinary national delegates conference (ENDC).

"I foresee that the delegates will continue to raise the topic at the NDC although there was no formal discussion. It can be raised in the form of a debate or outside the debate. I foresee this would happen," he added.

Chia, however, cautioned party members from making any extreme decision as they should not forget the party's idealism.

"We never allowed pragmatism to justify not sticking to our ideas. I know it is a difficult balance,

"Looking at the situation in the country and the party, we need to exercise our political objective — that is, only things that are permanent. Leaders come and go. We need to go back to basics," he said.

Therefore, he said, Gerakan must always have the interest of people in its heart as that is the only way the party can regain support from the people. —Bernama

Gerakan says Umno should discuss leadership change with BN partners

Dr Koh giving a speech during the Gerakan National Delegates’ conference in Kuala Lumpur today. — Bernama pic

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 - Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon says the future of Umno's leadership should be discussed with other Barisan Nasional component parties.

"The leadership of Umno is also the leadership of the country. I believe when things are clearer, the BN supreme council will meet and be briefed about the transition," he told reporters when quizzed about Kedah Gerakan Youth's recent statement on the matter.

He added that Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib had already said that it was a reasonable idea and request.

The former Penang chief minister added that it was not about interfering with a component party's internal affairs because "it is positive to have a better understanding and consensus as it it is also about the leadership of BN."

Although he stated that what was important now was for the party to attend to its party elections and then move forward, he was guarded when asked about the lack of candidates having declared their intentions ahead of the Oct 11 polls.

"I will not comment until after nomination because I don't know yet. But, internally, there is a lot of interest and leaders are indicating as much," he said.

"Why should we take the surprise out of Saturday?" he said of this weekend's nomination of candidates.

Koh also backed Datuk Seri Najib Razak's statement yesterday on the economy, saying that it is the country's main challenge at this point.

"Even though our fundamentals are strong, we have to be careful. So it is time for all citizens and political parties to reduce politicising of issues such as religion and race," he said, echoing the deputy prime minister's warning.