Gerakan president’s challenger mulls reviewing party’s position in PN

Gerakan president’s challenger mulls reviewing party’s position in PN


A challenger to Gerakan president Dominic Lau has indicated that the party's position in Perikatan Nasional could be reconsidered after the upcoming state polls.

Federal Territories Gerakan chief Lau Hoi Keong said his victory against Lau and two others in the party polls on July 15 would see an implementation of both internal and external reforms, the latter includes a review of Gerakan's status as a PN component.

Hoi Keong said as the state elections are coming, he will only temporarily support the party to remain in PN.

Federal Territories Gerakan chief Lau Hoi Keong

"At this moment, yes. At this stage, yes (remaining in PN). After the state elections, everything is unknown," Hoi Keong told reporters after filing his nomination for the Gerakan's presidency today.

Aside from external reforms, Hoi Keong said internal changes will see young successors groomed to prepare for the 16th general election.

"When I talk about dual tracks, the internal track is within our party.

"The external track, as I mentioned earlier, is the position, role, and positioning within the PN coalition," he said.

Asked whether he would follow Lau's stance to remain with PN, Hoi Keong said: "That was the former president's stance."

Hoi Keong added that his leadership style involves listening to grassroots voices.


Maintaining status quo

After nominations closed, there were four contenders for the president's post - Lau, Hoi Keong, Liang Teck Meng, and Michael Gan.

Lau previously said that after GE15, Gerakan has a clear direction to go through ups and downs together with PN.

Meanwhile, both Gan and Liang said Gerakan will remain with PN if either of them is elected as party president.

Gerakan presidency candidates (from left) Lau Hoi Keong, Dominic Lau, Liang Teck Meng, and Michael Gan


"Any discussions and (state election) candidates will be maintained," said Gan.

As for Liang, the former Simpang Renggam MP emphasised that even if he is elected, there will be absolutely no changes to the arrangements of the upcoming state polls.

"Everything was negotiated by the current president and PN. Even if I am elected, everything will remain the same, without any changes.

"I don't want this party to split. I have also spoken to Lau, and everything will be according to his plans, without any changes," said Liang.

Asked about the speculation that he will lead the party to rejoin BN after being elected, Liang firmly replied, "No, it won't happen."