PETALING JAYA: Don’t put up a challenge because you are frustrated and angry – that is Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik’s advice to Datuk Seri Kerk Choo Ting as the party's election process kicks off today with nominations.

“If Kerk feels frustrated and angry, I cannot blame him. But don’t contest just because you are angry and frustrated,” said Dr Lim, amidst speculation that his deputy of 14 years would be contesting against him for the top post.

“Whatever challenge must be aimed at leading the team to build up the party,” Dr Lim said, adding that Gerakan never had factions and had always worked as a team.

“If ever there is a challenge, it is always a personality fight.”

Dr Lim said he had “protected” Kerk all these years and had always told members that his deputy would be his successor.

Kerk was appointed to head the party’s recruitment drive in 1995, and told in the following year to travel around the country to recruit members and make his star shine.

“If your star is shinier than mine, you can take over from me,” Dr Lim said yesterday.

Dr Lim added that he stood behind Kerk when his deputy was challenged in 1999 and 2002.

When he began talking about retirement, the team that consisted of central leaders and elected state chiefs began to look for a successor.

“Kerk has been a contributing member to the team. I gave him all the chances to get himself ready but in the past few years, he has drifted away from the team,” he said.

Over the past few weeks, various state liaison committees had voiced their support for vice-president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to be Dr Lim’s number two before taking over as party president.

In order not to leave Kerk out of the party, the team leaders had decided to make him adviser, said Dr Lim, adding that it could be done by passing a resolution at the national delegates conference.

“If Kerk does not want that, there is nothing we can do. The party leaders have tried their best to appreciate and accommodate him,” Dr Lim said, adding that he was duty-bound to ensure a smooth succession.

Meanwhile, Kerk said he will make his decision known today.