IPOH, July 16 (Bernama) -- Gerakan Deputy President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said today it could be possible for him to remain as chief minister of Penang when he takes over as the party's president from Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik in the first quarter of 2007.

Asking the media not to make any speculation now with regard to his post, he said he would have discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the matter.

He said Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu was Gerakan president when he was chief minister of Penang from 1969 to 1990.

"Do not make any speculation, and there are several possibilities. These will be discussed with the prime minister and (the decision) will be made known when the time comes," he told reporters after opening a delegates conference of the party, here.

Asked for the party candidate who would take over from Keng Yaik when he does not contest the Beruas parliamentary seat in the next general election, Koh said the party was identifying several suitable candidates.

"We will make a decision before the next election. It may take a day, a month or a year, but we will make an announcement," he said.

Perak Gerakan Chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said delegates from the state always gave their undivided support to Koh who would take over as acting president from Keng Yaik.

Keng Yaik had announced on June 25 that he would hand over the party leadership to Koh at an emergency general meeting expected to be held in the first quarter of 2007.

He had said that the handing over process would depend on an amendment to the party constitution at the Gerakan general assembly on Sept 2 to enable the posts of president and state, divisional and branch chairmen to be handed over automatically to the deputy president or vice-chairmen, respectively.