Opposition party Keadilan has reached out to Gerakan with an invitation to "play a role in Barisan Alternatif" (BA) over the move to teach Science and Mathematics in English at some levels of schooling from next year.

Keadilan vice-president Azmin Ali suggested that Gerakan, being a multi-racial party, could champion the cause of the Chinese community outside the ruling party.

He was responding to a report in The Star yesterday, which quoted People's Progressive Party president M Kayveas (photo) as calling for Gerakan's suspension from the Barisan Nasional (BN) for going against the official stand on the language swi tch.

Gerakan president Lim Keng Yaik had said on Saturday that Gerakan would not support the move, although he had also recently accused Chinese educationist groups who opposed the move as "extremists".

'Same structure'

"In line with my statement last week after meeting Dong Ziao Jong, we welcome all parties to join us on national issues," Azmin told malaysiakini .

"Keadilan is also a multi-racial party. On that score we have the same structure to work for a better Malaysia."

Azmin, who is also Hulu Kelang state assembly representative, said Gerakan could fill the vacuum left by DAP when it left the BA after failing to resolve the Islamic issue with PAS.

DAP not convinced

However, DAP Gerakan's arch rival does not share the view of its former ally Keadilan.

Secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock said he does not believe that Kayveas' request carries so much weight that it could result in Gerakan's suspension from the BN.

Said Kerk: "Whatever happens, Gerakan will never opt out of Barisan. Despite fear and desperation, Gerakan will not be sacked not would they be so principled as to quit the BN for a cause."

Nevertheless, Kerk welcomed Gerakan's change of heart in the issue saying "I believe they (have) realised that their previous stand would (have come at) a heavy price".

Kerk, who is Kota Melaka member of parliament, also challenged Lim to prove his sincerity by apologising to the Chinese community for calling their champions "extremists".

"Lim should retract his chauvinistic statement against Chinese educationists though I don't expect he will do so," he added.

Public dispute

The spat between Gerakan and PPP was triggered after the former came up with counter-proposals for a gradual language switch and called for the present medium of instruction to be retained for both subjects.

Kayveas said Lim (photo) had, by his statement, undermined MCA president Ling Liong Sik as the undisputed leader of the Chinese community.

"It is obvious (that), by saying so, he is trying to champion the Chinese issue which Dr Ling is trying hard to resolve within the Barisan (Nasional) circle," said Kayveas.

He chastised Gerakan for not truly representing the Chinese community, saying that "if not for their presence in Penang, they are nothing".

"It is only through (Prime Minister) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) that Gerakan is still respected," he added.

By yesterday, the situation had degenerated into a public dispute, with both leaders exchanging comments bordering on the personal.