Koh to resign as Gerakan chief on May 16

Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon packing some of his things at his office after announcing his resignation yesterday.

(NST) – Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon will step down as Gerakan president on May 16, following the party’s dismal showing in the 13th General Election.

Koh announced yesterday that he had tendered his resignation after consulting the party’s central committee, claiming full responsibility for Gerakan’s defeats in the recent polls.

“I would like to thank Gerakan leaders and members at all levels for giving me the opportunity to serve and lead the party at its most difficult time, especially over the past five years.

“I cherish every moment in our struggle for the party and the people. I also apologise to all for whatever shortcomings and mistakes (that were made) during my tenure in office,” he said after a meeting with fellow Gerakan leaders at the party’s headquarters yesterday.

Gerakan had won just one parliamentary seat and three state seats out of the 11 and 31 seats it contested.

Koh said in accordance with the party’s constitution, his deputy, Datuk Chang Ko Youn, would take over as acting president until the end of party elections in October.

The party election process will start at the branch, division and state levels at the end of next month before culminating in the Gerakan national delegates’ conference on Oct 26.

Koh said the party would not seek any cabinet posts, but would instead take up state leadership positions.

In the absence of a voice in the cabinet, he said Gerakan would continue giving its views through public statements and meetings with leaders in the central government.

“We will also communicate directly with Barisan Nasional leaders to have our say. There are many channels to get our message across.”

Koh said he had already informed Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak of his decision to step down and vowed to continue serving the party.

“I shall continue to support and serve the party by giving advice and ideas if and when needed, and sharing whatever insight I have gained through my past successes and failures,” he said, adding he would contribute to Gerakan’s training programme for party members.

Gerakan secretary-general and Penang BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow had also announced his decision to step down from all party posts after Gerakan’s defeats in Penang.

Teng, whose resignation came into effect yesterday, will be replaced as secretary-general by vice-president Datuk Mah Siew Keong.

Gerakan Johor chairman Datuk Teo Kok Chee said Koh had made the right decision and paid tribute to his services and contributions to the party.

“It’s a shame… Koh is a very friendly and hardworking leader. But he doesn’t have a choice. You cannot take back the election results.”

Koh was elected Gerakan president in 2008, following the resignation of long-serving president Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik.