1. The Message Of 308

For the people, 308 has given birth to the possibility of a system known as the ‘two-party system” which will ensure a more matured and democratic political system with more effective checks and balances. 308 also witnessed a matured democratic political system in our country whereby the people were able to decide through the votes in their respective hands to elect the political parties which best meet their aspirations.

Teng Chang Yeow has become the candidate for Chief Minister during the 12th GE.A lot of people say that “the battle for Chief Minister” is one of the important factors to Gerakan’s lost in the 12th GE.

For Barisan Nasional, 308 was indeed a lesson and a warning. Although BN succeeded in continuing to govern the country, for the first time in history, BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament. However, BN was still able to form a stable federal government. Apart from that, five (5) state governments in Peninsular Malaysia fell to the hands of Pakatan Rakyat.

Upon reflection, we were able to appreciate the fact that the BN government which has been in power for such a long time since Independence, in particular UMNO which is so very dominant, has shown signs and mannerisms of arrogance, corruption, insensitivity towards the aspirations of the people. BN should view the political tsunami of 308 positively. If 308 did not happen and all the anger, dissatisfaction and disappointment of the people “explode” at the next General Elections, there is a great possibility that BN will lose all power, both at the federal level as well as the state level.

Gerakan candidates contesting for the Jelutong Parliamentary Seat and it’s three state seats were determined to fight for the best in 12th GE.

2. Reform in UMNO

Soon after 308, every BN component party voiced their respective fear and seriousness to reform so as to continue to be relevant in the political arena of the country. However, the process of renewal should not just remain only a slogan or empty talk. In fact, it encompasses the identification of existing problems and the drawing up of a comprehensive short-term, mid-term and long-term plan.

After 308, a few reforms have been carried out, in particular with the setting up of MACC and JAC by the federal government. However, we have to bear in mind that all the steps and actions taken should involve the actual contents and not only just on the surface or repackaging only.

For UMNO, although they have on numerous occasions expressed their seriousness to carry out renewal, but up todate, the general public have yet to see any actions being taken by UMNO towards that direction. It is believed that a more visible direction and renewal will be felt after the transition of power in UMNO this March.

The most important outcome of the 12th GE is the emergence of the two-party system.

3. Acute Stage of Current Politics and Gerakan’s View Towards the Development of Politics in Future

Chia Kwang Chye and Dr Teng Hock Nan are greeting voters at Pulau Tikus Market.

Gerakan does not at all support party hopping, more so when it was done with the intent to topple an existing government as was what has happened in Perak. This act of party hopping which was considered immoral from the perspective of politics was not only not in line with the spirit of democracy, but also did not respect the mandate given by the people during an election.

However, the decision of any representative to quit his original party has to be respected if the decision is made based on the fact that his original party has neglected the original principle and ideology of the struggle of the said party.

The future of politics is indeed difficult to predict. For Penang where its voters generally have a high level of political awareness and are also at the same time vocal, whichever party which has been given the mandate to form the state government should be sincere, dedicated, commitment, intellectual, possess team work as well as having a common goal within the ruling coalition. Any ruling coalition which fails to live up to the said requisite conditions of expectations, the people of Penang are ready to give the mandate to any other political party which will be able to fulfill their aspirations and needs. 308 has proven that the people of Penang are not fearful of changing the government and are ready to do so again if the need arises.

Dr Koh Tsu Koon shakes hands with the newly elected Yang Berhormat from Pakatan Rakyat before leaving his Chief Minister office.

4. Relationship Between UMNO Penang and Penang Gerakan’s Stand

Koh Tsu Koon posed for a group reporters.

As a result of the statement by one of UMNO’s division leaders in Penang which sparked off the anger and disappointment of the Chinese, Gerakan took stern action to voice our objections and the stand of the party. The incident lingered on, culminating in the tearing of the photo of Gerakan’s National President. Gerakan went ahead with firm action of severing all ties with UMNO Penang. This is a most firm and serious decision in view of the fact that in the history of BN, Gerakan was the only party which severed all ties with UMNO at the state level where Penang is the hometown of the Prime Minister and also the stronghold of Gerakan since 1969. This development also shows that Gerakan is willing and ready to take firm action for the sake of the moral and respect of the people and the party. Gerakan will not tolerate any action that has exceeded its limits and is in conflict with the principles and the stand of the party.

The further development of ties between Gerakan Penang and UMNO Penang is left to the sincerity of UMNO Penang. If it is based on the interest of the people of Penang and the state of Penang, and where words and actions are the same, then Gerakan is prepared to review the ties between the two (2) parties.

(The contents of the above extract are based on an interview with Sdra Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan, Chairman of Penang Gerakan State Liaison Committee)

by Dr Thor Teong Gee
Chief of the E Communication and Publication Bureau