Former Penang BN chief Teng Chang Yeow, who is eyeing the state Gerakan chief’s post,  may have a contender but party sources are tight-lipped about it.

Gerakan state vice-chairperson Dr Lim Boon Han said the party needed “rejuvenation and reform”, otherwise there will be no future for its members.

Lim said Teng had already been given a chance to improve the party but failed to do so, especially in the May 5 general election.

“Teng not only lost his own seat in Bukit Tengah, but the majority of candidates chosen by him also lost by bigger majorities in this election compared to 2008,” said Lim, who is Nibong Tebal party chief.

“This shows that he is unable to lead the party, Penang people have already rejected him, whether as state BN chief or Gerakan (secretary general),” he added.

“We need new blood, somebody who is capable and younger than Teng who can generate new ideas to lead Penang Gerakan. I believe we do have this kind of young leader,” he stressed.

On Teng offering himself for the state party chief’s post, Lim said the former may not be the only one who is contesting the post, although no one has made their intention known as today is nomination day.

He added that Teng may not win the post and hinted that another leader may join the race as well.

“There will be a big suprise, you wait and see,” he quipped.

However, Lim denied having interest in contesting for the post.

Lim was former Bukit Tengah coordinator, and was not selected as a candidate for the seat as Teng had contested there but lost to PKR lawyer Ong Chin Wen.

Nomination for the Gerakan state chief opens today while the state delegates conference and polling day will be held on Sept 15.

Outgoing party state chief Dr Teng Hock Nan,  former secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye and state leader Cheang Chee Gooi, who previously contested the post, have not expressed their intention to recontest it although the latter (Cheang) has thrown his support behind Teng.

State Gerakan Youth chief Oh Tong Keong said other than Teng, he has not heard of anyone else wanting to contest the post.

However, at least 10 people will contest for the six state committee posts.

‘Party already has new blood’

“The party already has new blood, nine out of 13 Youth divisions are led by new faces,” he said.

NONE It is learnt that Oh will quit his post to give way to new Bukit Bendera division chief H’ng Chee Wey to take over as the new state Youth chief.

State vice-chairperson Wong Mun Hoe ( right ) said that since Teng had never held the state chief’s post, he can still be considered a new face.

“We don’t know who is going to submit the nomination form ultimately, and it is up to the delegates to decide (to elect Teng or not),” said Wong.

“What is most important is that the new chairperson can find a new direction for Penang Gerakan,” he said.

“Of course, the national level election is also important as we expect to see a change in leadership.”