Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik has finally come out with a formula to resolve the leadership succession issue in the party.

He wants all state liaison committees to meet and decide which of the three - himself, deputy president Kerk Choo Ting or vice-president Dr Koh Tsu Koon - to be the next Gerakan president and deputy president.

The succession issue has been a long standing one in the party.

According to party insiders, Lim initially thought that Kerk would be strong enough to succeed him as president. In recent years, however, when it became quite clear that the grassroots were warming up to Koh to be the next party leader, Lim also began to change his mind.

Soon, it became obvious that Koh was his preferred choice but Kerk refused to budge, they said.

Thus the formula announced by Lim has set tongues wagging that finally, the fight between the two top Gerakan leaders is now out in the open

Contacted by malaysiakini today, Kerk conceded that the formula was the best way to ensure that the party elections, slated for Aug 27, would be held in a fair, democratic and peaceful manner.

However, he said that he has to gather more information from the grassroots first deciding whether he would agree to the proposed formula.

"I don't know who come out with this formula. But it seems to be the most acceptable formula for the grassroots at the moment," Kerk added.

Asked if the formula has brought the split in Gerakan out in the open, he declined to comment.

'One must let go'

Meanwhile, Lim told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today said the formula is necessary to ensure the smooth transition of the party's leadership.

"I have to stay for another three years because I have to attend to some unfinished business. You want me to go now? When I am around, there will be a smooth transition," he said.

Lim had earlier declared that this term will be his last as party president.

Denying that there is a split in the party, he said, "No split. I support the grassroots and the grassroots support Koh Tsu Koon. I have been president for 25 years. I should know what the grassroots want?" he stressed.

Lim said the proposed formula was his decision and that he has yet to discuss it with either Kerk or Koh.

He hoped that once the state liaison committees have made known their decisions, the one not selected would respect them.

"When the cards are open, it's easier to decide on the three people for the two places. One must let go. If one doesn't let go, there will be a fight.

"Even if some people cannot see clearly, at least this is a very good indication of whom the grassroots support," the Gerakan president said.