exclusive

Penang Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon denied speculations that he may soon take a federal minister post and dismissed the rumour as being spawned by those who wanted him to leave the island state.

In an exclusive interview with malaysiakini yesterday, Koh said the issue of relocation to Kuala Lumpur was never raised by any party leader. "Not even by me. My sole focus now is to do my very best for Penang."

There has been intense speculation in Gerakan that Koh will soon be transferred to a cabinet position while party chief Lim Keng Yaik is to step down to pave the way for younger leaders.

However Gerakan secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye said recently that Lim was asked not to relinquish his position given the current "political climate".

Chia said Lim, who is primary industries minister, had thought of making way for new leaders but the central executive committee later advised him to reconsider his decision.

The party chief has yet to make up his mind as there is still about a year's time to the next party elections, said Chia, who added that party members wanted Lim to remain because there are "lingering" issues to be dealt with.

Power strugle

It is learnt that some Gerakan party leaders fear a power struggle should Lim step down next year.

Strong contenders for the post include Koh, who is the party's vice-president, and Kerk Choo Ting, the deputy leader and international trade and industries deputy minister.

However it is believed that Koh, who has a long standing ties with the Chinese community, is preferred by the party's grassroot.

Koh was an active member in the Chinese educationist group Dong Jiao Zong.

But the Penang chief minister said he would like to focus on his role in the state as he had been given the mandate by the people to do so.

"Although I strategise for Barisan Nasional and Gerakan, I do not scheme for my own position," he told malaysiakini .

"I do not want to speculate. I have been in politics for 20 years. I know that the more one schemes, there will be more trouble," he added.

Koh has been chief minister in Penang since 1990.