It is widely speculated, at least in the Penang Gerakan camp, that their secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow may be gunning for the top party post in the state.

The talk is that Chang Yeow wants to take over from state Gerakan chief Dr Teng Hock Nan.

Although it is learnt that 10 out of 13 branches have expressed support for Chang Yeow in their recent annual general meetings, sources say there are factions that did not.

Sources say that these factions, comprising some veteran members, are trying to get two young leaders - Tanjong chief Oh Tong Keong and Jelutong chief Dr Thor Teong Ghee - to contest for the top state post.

They are reportedly doing this so they can stop Chang Yeow from contesting by using the excuse that new blood is necessary to revive the party, which lost massively, losing all the seats it contested in Penang, in the May 5 general election.

"These factions want both of young leaders to contest, so that no matter who wins, one would be chairperson and the other state secretary, and both can lead Penang Gerakan together," said the source, who requested anonymity.

NONE Oh, who is also state Gerakan Youth chief, is from one of the 18 branches under the Tanjong division, which supports Chang Yeow.

He was recently elected Tanjong division chief to replace Chang Yeow, the formerly head.

Thor Theong Gee, who leads the state Gerakan information, publicity and communications bureau, was widely known earlier as a supporter of the senior Teng ( left ).

However, when contacted, Thor denied being approached by anyone to contest for the post of state Gerakan chief.

"There is no such thing," he told Malaysiakini .

It is also speculated that other than Thor, Nibong Tebal division chief Dr Lim Boon Han may be roped in to contest against Teng.

Lim is known for openly opposing Chang Yeow as the state party chief, based on him being unable to improve Gerakan's position, since its performance in the GE13 has been worse that in 2008.

'Chang Yeow the best candidate'

Lim may have been slighted when he was not picked to contest the Bukit Tengah seat in GE13, as Chang Yeow himself chose to go there and lost to PKR lawyer Ong Chin Wen.

According to Oh, Chang Yeow is still the best candidate to lead Penang Gerakan as he "received considerable support from the divisions".

About 10 branches appear to support Chang Yeow. They are Tanjung, Jelutong, Bukit Bendera, Bukit Gelugor, Balik Pulau, Bayan Baru, Batu Kawan,Bukit Mertajam,Tasek Gelugor and Permatang Pauh.

However, it is not certain who the three divisions - Nibong Tebal, Kepala Batas and Bagan supports - Teng or Chang Yeow.

On the argument of bringing in new blood to lead the party, Oh said the recent division elections already produced six new chairpersons.

"Among the six new faces are people from the Youth wing: myself (for Tanjong), Teow Jit Meng (Kepala Batas) and H'ng Chee Wey (Bukit Bendera)," said Oh.

"Teh Leong Meng (Bayan Baru), Lai Chew Hock( Batu Kawan ) and Ng Fook On (Jelutong, who retained his post) are also not as old as their leader (Teng)," he added.

Nominations for the Penang Gerakan chief will be on Sept 8, while voting is on Sept 15.

Chang Yeow had recently said he would need to talk to Teng before deciding on his move.

Teng was not available for comment.