'Traditional' seats no longer exist, reminds Gerakan boss
The concept of "traditional seats" no longer exists for Gerakan as the party approaches the 15th general election, said its president Dominic Lau.
In his policy speech at the party's 49th annual delegates assembly today, Lau said politics had changed in the country and Gerakan will have to adapt.
"I advise members to forget about the concept of 'traditional seats' or 'traditional territories' by this or that party...
The concept of "traditional seats" no longer exists for Gerakan as the party approaches the 15th general election, said its president Dominic Lau.
In his policy speech at the party's 49th annual delegates assembly today, Lau said politics had changed in the country and Gerakan will have to adapt.
"I advise members to forget about the concept of 'traditional seats' or 'traditional territories' by this or that party.
"There is no 'traditional seat'. There is no more 'tai kor' (big brother)," he added.
Gerakan was founded in 1968 and quickly took power in Penang. The party joined the Alliance coalition in 1972 prior to the coalition's rebranding as BN.
As a BN coalition member, the party was largely confined to Penang but was allocated a handful of other seats in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
During the 2018 elections, Gerakan suffered a crushing defeat, failing to have anyone elected. Following this, the party withdrew from BN and joined Perikatan Nasional (PN) in February.
Although Gerakan is now nested in PN, Lau warned that party members must be prepared for post-election uncertainties.
"Maybe we will see coalition parties going against each other or new coalition governments being formed.
"In politics, anything is possible... Thus, comrades, you must prepare for all possibilities," he said.
Lau added that he was aware that there were still misgivings on the party's decision to join PN.
However, he assured that this decision was taken after extensive consultation with the party's leadership and took into account the present situation.
PN, he said, was unlike other coalitions, citing how Pakatan Harapan's alleged sole goal was to instal PKR president Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.
"They don't care about the rakyat or welfare. Harapan's vision is 'strong, formidable and convincing'. They just want to sit on the prime minister's chair.
"In contrast, PN's goal is to save the country from those who are greedy and power crazy. PN was established for the people, to take care of them and be their best choice.
"(PN) has no corruption, no scandals, no dynasties and does not have the same old faces," he added.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.