Former Penang chief minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon has decided to relinquish his position as state Gerakan chief in order to concentrate on national issues.
In view of this, the Gerakan acting president will not seek re-election as state chief in the coming Gerakan Penang delegates conference on Aug 23.
"This is to enable Koh to further devote even more time and energy as Gerakan acting president to handle national issues and attend to party matters throughout the country," read a statement issued by his office today.
However, the Gerakan leader would continue to work closely with the state’s leaders and members to rejuvenate and strengthen the party in Penang.
Koh, who served as chief minister for 18 years, was ousted in the March 8 polls by newcomer Prof P Ramasamy from DAP.
Penang also fell to the opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat with DAP controlling the most number of seats. Gerakan, on the other hand, lost all its seats in the state.
Still be his home base
Meanwhile, the statement said Koh had announced his decision to relinquish his post at the Gerakan Penang state liaison committee meeting last night.
"Koh nonetheless reassured party leaders and members in Penang that the state will still be his home base.
"By home base, it means that Koh will keep his home in Penang and maintain an office in the Penang Gerakan headquarters while traveling very often to Kuala Lumpur and other states in attending to his central duties."
According to the statement, Koh’s move is in line with Gerakan’s overall strategy of serving as an effective opposition to Pakatan Rakyat at the state level while promoting reform within Gerakan and Barisan Nasional at the national level.
On the same note, Koh had expressed confidence at last night’s meeting that a capable and committed member will be elected to replace him as the state chief.
He is also confident that the elections will be conducted in a smooth, healthy and clean manner in accordance with Gerakan’s ‘Satu Hati’ spirit.
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