Gerakan has decided not to review a decision to suspend outspoken party vice-president Huan Cheng Guan for three years.

The party’s central committee at its meeting today resolved to maintain the three-year suspension on Huan, which was meted out by the central working committee on May 31.

However, a three-member review panel has been established to look into whether the suspension could be lifted earlier.

“The CC decided to set up a special committee comprising three experienced veteran leaders to review this case and monitor his behaviour from now on and to recommend to the CC any appropriate action,” said Gerakan secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow.

According to Teng, the special committee - to be headed by former secretary-general Chan Choong Tak - will make periodic reviews and report to the central committee every six months.

The other two members are Ng Lip Yong, a former party vice-president and former deputy minister of international trade and industry, and party veteran Dr Chee See Cheok.

Members told to refrain themselves

“The CC also instructed all members to refrain from any form of public expression of views on this and other party matters, and to channel views and feedback through proper internal party channels,” said Teng.

huan cheng guan gerakan penang pc event 150609 03 In late May, Huan ( left ) threatened to quit Gerakan over dissatisfaction with certain party leaders.

His outburst resulted with the party leadership issuing a show-cause letter, to which he reportedly replied on June 14.

On that same day, Huan publicly reaffirmed his allegiance to Gerakan, but rumours continue to swirl over his possible defection to PKR.

Should this happen, Huan will join a growing list of credible Gerakan leaders to have deserted the party since March 2008.

Others include Gerakan stalwarts former deputy secretary-general Lee Kah Choon, former central committee member Toh Kin Woon, former federal territories chief Tan Kee Kwong and former women's chief Rhina B har.

With Huan's suspension, Gerakan has only one elected vice-president left - Mah Siew Keong. Another vice-president, Dr S Vijayratnam, died late last year after he fell from the rooftop of his clinic.