Penang Gerakan vice-chairperson Oh Tong Keong does not want to take up the Sungai Pinang division coordinator post and also says he did not tarnish party deputy secretary-general Dr Thor Teong Gee's reputation.

Oh said he did not interfere in the selection of the coordinator post but was told that Thor reportedly failed to get the 'blessings' of the party division.

"I was merely speaking the truth and have no intention to tarnish his reputation or go after the party's state constituency coordinator post for Sungai Pinang," he told Bernama when contacted in George Town yesteray.

Earlier yesterday, Thor (photo, above), who was in the BN component party for more than 16 years, had resigned from all party posts, claiming his reputation was tarnished due to the infighting for a coordinator post and possible candidacy in the next general election.

Oh explained that during a dialogue session chaired by Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong on July 14, Sungai Pinang division members had rejected Thor for nomination as coordinator.

"The division had stated a few reasons for their rejection and instead, nominated Sungai Pinang division chairperson Ng Fook On for the post," he said.

However, Oh said, the issue was not resolved as Mah, who was worried of the infighting among party members, decided to drop both Thor and Ng.

"Mah wanted me to take up the coordinator post instead, but I withdrew after discussing with the division members who still prefered Ng," he added.

Oh hoped the party central leadership would listen to all division nominees before making any decision on posts.

- Bernama