As PN awaits chair decision, Gerakan reiterates collective leadership support

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the Gerakan president's amended statement, which was issued later.

Gerakan president Dominic Lau today said the party pledges its full support for Perikatan Nasional’s collective leadership and direction.

In a statement following the party’s first meeting this year, Lau said that the meeting focused on the party's early preparations in facing any possible state or general election, as well as objectively assessing the party’s strengths and weaknesses to ensure it remains relevant, competitive, and continues to represent the voice of the people.

"Regarding the position of PN chairperson, the official decision will be announced in the near future. However, regardless of the outcome, Gerakan will give its full support to PN’s collective leadership and direction.

"Gerakan also wishes to stress that the party’s priority is the welfare of the people and the future of the nation, rather than becoming embroiled in political disputes between Umno and DAP, which offer no benefit to the public, " he added.

Yesterday, PN's former chairperson and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said he, together with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, had vowed to reinforce the opposition coalition.

Muhyiddin said the commitment was reached during a meeting with Hadi, also attended by Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, and PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.

In his Facebook post, Muhyiddin, however, did not elaborate on whether the PAS leaders had also reached an agreement on who they wanted to name as his successor.

Gerakan’s commitment

Lau, meanwhile, reaffirmed Gerakan’s commitment to continue helping resolve any internal issues within the coalition in a mature and prudent manner, based on the spirit of consensus and PN’s long-term interests.

Apart from Bersatu, PAS, and Gerakan, the federal opposition alliance also comprises the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.

In his statement, Lau said that discussions with PN component parties regarding seat allocations for the impending Malacca state polls are also being conducted constructively.

On Friday, Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh confirmed that the state polls will be held this year.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the special Umno supreme council meeting, Rauf stated that the current Malacca government's term is scheduled to end this year.

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