Brusing battle for minds of Penangites
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow step up their attacks as they lead the charge for their respective fronts
Hawkeye, Free Malaysia Today
GEORGE TOWN: The battle lines for the hearts and minds of Penangites is shaping up to be between the personalities of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Teng Chang Yeow.
Both are leading the charge for their respective fronts in a general election, which is poised to be a bruising one where both sides are likely to suffer “casualities.”
Since Teng’s appointment to head the state coalition, DAP through Lim’s stewardship has stepped up its criticism of the former, berating him as indecisive and subservient to Umno.
“It’s an indication that DAP is beginning to be unnerved by Teng, the younger brother of Selangor DAP strongman Teng Chang Khim,” said state Gerakan committee member Wong Mun Hoe.
DAP is also alarmed that the Teng has the ability to resist the slew of attacks waged on him by his socialist detractors.
Wong said Teng’s appointment has robbed Lim of his “punching bags.” Previously, Lim had shifted all blame to Teng’s predecessor Dr Koh Tsu Koon, state Gerakan chairman Dr Teng Hock Nan and Umno.
“Lim’s political style is, if anything goes wrong, he blames either Dr Koh, Hock Nan or Umno. If anything goes right, he takes full credit.
“Lim is a political animal and we should admire him for his political skills but definately not for his governance or strong leadership. He lacks skills in both areas,” said Wong.
“Koh made way for younger blood, the same for Hock Nan to an extent, while Umno has pledged loyalty to Teng, leaving Lim with no more “punching bags” to pin the blame on.
“Lim has no choice but to step up attacks on Teng by letting loose his political pawns like his political secretary Ng Wei Aik, but their attacks have not been effective,” said Wong.
Even the statesman-like DAP national chairman Karpal Singh has began attacking Teng by challenging him to contest in any seat here in Penang.
It has galvanise Teng and BN, Wong said, adding that the move to announce an alternative development masterplan for Penang, has captured the imagination of the people here.
“Voters here must decide on who would be effective in championing for Penang’s desire to regain its free port status.
“Would Lim be successful in lobbying Putrajaya for it if BN wins the election or, would Teng hold the advantage since Gerakan is part of Umno – the dominant party in BN?” asked Wong.
Like it or not, the people must consider Teng’s proposed alternative masterplan, aimed at taking the state to another level of prosperity unlike DAP, which has yet to come up with anything concrete about the economic direction of the state,” said Wong.
Several Gerakan leaders here have portrayed Teng as a clone of Lim because both are bold, have a clear vision of what they can achieve, and both are not cowed by challenges.
The only difference is Teng is not as arrogant as Lim, Wong claimed. He also expects DAP to step up its attacks against Teng as the “election fever” shows no sign of abating.
