Koh "definitely won't contest in Penang", claims party source (VIDEO)

A Penang Gerakan source said party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon (pix) will definitely not contest a seat in the state in the next general election, China Press reported today.


According to the source, the daily said, Koh had hinted to Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak about his intention.

It said Koh has two options – to take a backseat or to contest outside Penang, probably in Johor.

There has been speculation that Koh will contest the Simpang Reggam seat in Johor, which is a Gerakan stronghold.

After the March 8, 2008 general election, in which Gerakan lost its hold on Penang, some have described Koh and Penang Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan as a liability for the party in Penang.

The source said many are not optimistic about Gerakan’s showing in the next general election even if Koh does not contest in Penang as long as Teng stays put.

“(We) Hope that those who should step down would do so, to make way for new blood who can bring fresh hopes,” said the source.



Nevertheless, some diehard supporters believe Koh, a former scholar, should stay on in Penang.

“When you point a finger at Koh, have you ever wondered why Bukit Bendera Umno chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail had antagonised Koh when Koh was the chief minister? It was because Koh had caused the state Umno strongman to lose some of his benefits,” said the source.

The source also said it may not benefit Penang Gerakan for Koh to stay away from Penang in the next general election.

“It all depends on the political situation and who take Koh’s place in Penang.

“The better educated party members deem rationalist Koh a good leader, but the grassroots think otherwise.”

A party insider told the daily that a lot of people did not know that from 2003 to 2005, it was Koh’s persistent calls that persuaded an American multinational company on the verge of pulling out of Penang to stay on.

Meanwhile, Teng said he believed whatever decision Koh makes regarding contesting in the next general election would be in the best interest of the party.

Asked if Gerakan would still regard Penang as its frontline state if Koh contests outside Penang, Teng said the party will continue to play its role as leader of the Penang BN.

“When Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik was the party chief, he was active not only in Perak (but also other areas),” he said.

He stressed Gerakan will concentrate not only in Penang but also Selangor and Perak.