GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon will not seek re-election as the party’s Penang chairman.

Dr Koh, who has held the post for 12 years, made the announcement during the Penang Gerakan liaison committee’s monthly meeting on Sunday night.

The former Penang chief minister will relinquish the post during the coming Gerakan state delegates’ conference on Aug 23, according to a statement released by the party here yesterday.
"A party election should be seen as friendly competition among comrades"- TAN SRI DR KOH TSU KOON

Dr Koh decided against contesting to devote “more time and energy” to national issues and party matters throughout the country.

He, however, stressed that he would “continue to work closely” with members and leaders, and maintain the state as his “home base” to rejuvenate and strengthen the party.

Although he would keep his office at the party headquarters in Macalister Road and his home in Tanjung Bungah, Dr Koh said he would be travelling “very often” to attend to his central duties.

Dr Koh’s move to step down was described as “in line with Gerakan’s overall strategy” of serving as an effective opposition to the Pakatan Rakyat administration in the state while reforming Barisan Nasional and Gerakan at the national level.

“I am confident that a capable and committed Gerakan leader will be chosen by the delegates through a democratic, smooth, healthy and clean manner according to the party’s spirit.

“Remember, we must sustain party unity and maintain the Gerakan image.

“A party election should be seen as friendly competition among comrades. Thus, it is better for candidates to campaign directly among delegates rather than through the media,” Dr Koh said.

According to sources, Gerakan secretary-general and former deputy minister Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye will contest for the Penang Gerakan chairman’s post instead of challenging Dr Koh for the party’s presidency at the party’s national elections.

Penang Gerakan Youth chief Huan Cheng Guan has declared he will vie for the Penang post. Besides the state chairman’s position, six state liaison committee members will be elected in August.

All the 13 division chairmen, who will be elected next month, will automatically become members of the state committee.