Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik has put forward a formula to resolve the party's leadership succession. However, one party leader expressed reservations about this.

"I disagree with the formula. The delegates should be allowed to decide in the election," said Gerakan Penang liaison committee vice chairperson Dr Toh Kin Woon when contacted today.

Citing them as his personal views, he said state liaison committees should not be asked to show their support to certain leaders.

"They should not be asked one way or another about their choice and indicate that another side should not contest. The delegates have the right to choose," he added.

On Wednesday, Lim had asked the state liaison committees to decide who among the three - himself, deputy president Kerk Choo Ting and vice-president Dr Koh Tsu Koon - will be the next top two leaders of the party.

He said this is to ensure the smooth transition of leadership and avoid an internal tussle before he steps down in 2008.

It is an open secret that Lim, who has been leading the party since 1980, prefers Penang chief minister Koh, to be his successor.

Koh has reportedly decided to contest against Kerk for deputy presidency in next month's party polls.

No split

Commenting on this, Toh said the contest between the two heavyweights should not be construed as a split in the party.

"I think differences among the leaders should be allowed. Let it be in ruling or opposition parties. It's alright to have differences as long as it is guided by the goals and ideology of the party," he said.

He added that Gerakan is "in the midst of a leadership change" but this is not an indicator of a split in the party.

Toh believes that whoever is elected as the new deputy president, the transition of power will be smooth.

Meanwhile, Sin Chew Daily reported today that 10 out of 12 state liaison committees will support Koh for deputy presidency.

It stated that only the other two - Wilayah Persekutuan and Kedah - might possibly throw their weight behind Kerk.