Former Penang BN chief Teng Chang Yeow has decided to run for the state Gerakan chief's post.

Teng said he had been evaluating the requests and supports expressed by many of the party's divisions and well-wishers asking him to lead Penang Gerakan.

“I know the current political situation faced by Gerakan very well. It will be a tough task. I’m a fighter. I’m ready to face it,” the Gerakan secretary-general said in his Facebook status today.

Teng said he has notified current state chairperson Dr Teng Hock Nan of his intention to accept nominations for the post in the coming party’s state election.

The duo have always been seen in different camps due to generational differences.

“I hope to unite and revitalise the party. I urge all members to join me in undertaking this arduous task of uniting and revitalise the party,” he said.

Calls to both Tengs have gone unanswered.

Teng’s decision comes in the wake of several divisions’ public support for him to take up the post.

Teng resigned from his state BN chief post after the May 5 general election as he had failed to lead the coalition to victory.

He was also unable to reverse Gerakan’s political situation in Penang where the party failed to obtain any seats two elections in a row, since 2008.

In 2008, Pakatan Rakyat won 29 out of 40 state seats, seizing the state government from Gerakan.

Pakatan improved its performance in this year’s election, obtaining one extra seat, or 30 out of 40 state seats.

On Aug 22, Malaysiakini reported that Teng could be vying for the state’s top party post as 10 out of 13 branches have expressed support for him to do so.

Nominations for the Penang Gerakan chief will be on Sept 8, while voting is on Sept 15, a month ahead of the national delegates conference in October in Kuala Lumpur.