Lim gets a drubbing as FT Gerakan backs Koh

Federal Territory Gerakan has come out to throw their support behind party president Koh Tsu Koon and to refute party adviser Lim Keng Yaik's allegations.

In a press conference this morning called by the state liaison committee at Kuala Lumpur, state party treasurer Alan Chan went to the extent of saying that Lim, a party stalwart, is "getting very old" and that he should give a free hand to the young leaders of the party.

"Possibly Lim is getting very old lah . The methods (he resorts to) cannot pakai lagi . Let the new generation of people (handle it)... there are changes coming, so let our president handle the things."

He was echoed by Gerakan FT deputy youth chief Rosnan Abd Hamid who describe Lim as nyanyuk (senile).

Their statements was followed by a burst of applause from some 30 state leaders and members who were present.

FT Gerakan is, incidentally, led by party president Koh, who was not present at the press conference.

They were of the view that Lim, the appointed party advisor, should not expect Koh to follow all his views.

"Do you think his advice must be taken up by the president? The president must follow his advice?

"You cannot force yourself in when you are not welcomed. If (the advice) is not so relevant, you don't have to take (it)," said Chan.

State secretary Dr Wong Ruen Yuan ( left ), who chaired the press conference, stressed that Koh is a resilient leader as opposed to the "ostrich" remark made by Lim.

"You can scold him, tear his photograph or even laugh at him but his commitment to serve the people has never changed."

Chan added that Lim should not put all the blame on Koh over Gerakan's fall.

"He was involved in all election strategy. After 2008 there was almost a total collapse of the Gerakan representatives. So who are responsible? You cannot just say Koh Tsu Koon should be responsible for the fall of Gerakan, he (Lim) has to take responsibility also."

They also hinted that Lim's outburst was due to personal issues.

"As a political party, our role is to represent the people, serve the people and contribute towards policies that benefit the people. Hence it is very important that all personal sentiments, anger and doubts should be put aside," said Wong.

Chan later added: "Maybe he has something personal with the president. We don't know."

Reasons to skip Penang EGM

Contrary to Lim's accusation that Koh had neglected party affairs, Gerakan FT leaders claimed that Koh has been showing high committment and leadership in FT after taking over the helm from Dr Tan Kee Kwong who joined PKR after last general election.

They said Koh is no longer Penang state leader hence it is not necessary for him to attend the Oct 10 extraordinary general assembly (AGM) organised by Penang members to oust state chief Teng Hock Nam.

State committee member Lim Teck Ang said that Koh was not afraid to attend the EGM but he chose to respect the democratic process in the party to resolve difference in opinions.

"Koh is no longer Penang chief. If the Penang chief can solve the problem, why should our president attend the EGM? Teng is an experienced leader, surely he can solve Penang's problem."

He took a swipe at MCA president Chua Soi Lek ( right ) who advised Koh to put his own house in order before attending the MCA annual general meeting on the same day.

"Recently there was a Chinese-based party which had been fighting for a very long time. They also solved it through an EGM," he said, alluding to the MCA.

Another reason Koh decided to skip the EGM, according to Teck Ang, is to maintain his neutrality and not to be seen as supporting any faction in Penang.

Asked whether they would ask Lim to withdraw his resignation , Wong said they respected Lim's decision.

He further claimed that Lim's departure from the party would not bring any negative impact as many leaders had left the party after last general election.

Beliawanis merges with youth group

In another related development, Gerakan national Wanita Beliawanis bureau head Chia Ting Ting announced in a subsequent press conference that the bureau had decided to merge with Gerakan Youth, in view of the recent chaos and disappointment within party members.

"In order to overturn the situation, drastic proposals have to come forward to reform the party, therefore the first step will be the merging of male and female youth groups in order to reduce the differentiation and possible polarisation of the party."

She believed the the merging could revitalise party members especially the young ones.

However, Chia ( right ) refused to take sides in the Koh-Lim issue. She described Lim's outburst as a "rotan" (cane) given to the party.

"Three days ago, it would have been an 'invisible rotan', today, this has become the 'physical rotan' in my hands," said Chia who was holding a cane throughout the press conference.

She added that the young women leaders in the party will work hard to meet the expectation of Lim and when the day comes, they could return the cane back to Lim.