Demos! Where Is It Heading To?

Tsunami was a word where many were not aware of its existence till it hit Penang and other part of countries. Well as for ‘DEMO’, what does it mean and in what way its being carried out? One can now learn and defined it since there are many Demo’s  being practically conducted  around the Nation.

Those who are working on the ground by meeting up with people in solving issues in daily lives are totally against all these demo’s. Why do we need to cordoned such activities? To show frustration in front of Datuk Ambiga’s house is something un-called for. Selling Burgers, Butt Exercise, Night Market and many more being held at Datuk Ambiga’s house. As grass root worker, how are we going to face the public? These are the first questions that are being shot at us on why all these demo taking place. Do the leadership think it is an easy task explaining at the ground level? We are not talking on who are behind these groups, but why none of the country top leaders or highest authorities is issuing statement to condemn this entire act? Such a move will put a stop to this. All these activities at Datuk Ambiga’s house should stop before BN looses more votes.

Well, that is on a National level. Lets get back to our local level of Perai & Batu Kawan. With GE13 around the corner, the hot topic is on who will the candidate be. Beware that nowadays Demo’s in the name of support is also being carried out. Recently, NGO’s with the support of an individual from a political party had carried out an event to support the Prime Minister. Around 150-200 had attended the meeting. Those who are grass root workers are fully aware on the ‘Hidden Agenda’ by them. Reffering to the 21^st Mei 2012 Nanban news, It is clearly stated on the initiative of the gathering. As a grass root worker, I have full rights to comment on that move.

First. Was that move to have gathering to support PM have benefited BN in real? A resounding NO. The people are now confused on the activity that had taken place on that particular day. The Batu Kawan BN Chairman, UMNO Chairman, MCA Chairma, MIC Chairman  other BN & component party leaders at Batu Kawan Division level was not present. None of them. Why a BN activity being organized by NGO’s was not attended by top gun’s at the Division level. In the eye of the public this is a black mark and can jeopardize BN’s reputation.

Second. The  act in return is effecting all 3 DUN’s ( Perai, Bukit Tengah & Bukit Tambun ) and Batu Kawan Parliament seat. It has allowed a question mark to be placed if BN has two fictions in Batu Kawan. Event in support for PM but without the attendance of any top BN leaders of division level had defiantly raised the eyebrow of the public.

Third. Can another group conduct a gathering in support of other individual, other race or on other agenda? This could take place. There are possibilities that anyone could conduct a event for a ‘counter’ reason. Can we stop them than? It will bring more damage to BN and cost more votes.

As leaders we need to move wisely. GE13 is the ‘Mother’ of all election. BN need the support of every parties. As for Batu Kawan, the question is whether Gerakan will place an Indian Candidate for the seat.? In 2008 prior to election, Koh Tsu Koon remark on not to field an Indian candidate was one of the factor BN lost the Indian votes. In 2008 also I had already raised this up through the media that Indian should be given an opportunity and Mohan as a senior member should be given a chance ( Click for Malaysiakini Letter ). We did see changes. No reason to organize demo / events in the name of supporting PM. The final decision on candidacy lies on the hand of PM. Till than may the local level leaders do not commit on activities that will jeopardize BN’s vote and reputation.

Congratulations to Sdra Teng

Congrats to Saudara Teng Chang Yeow on the appointment as Barisan National Chairman by PM Najib Razak, taking over from Koh Tsu Koon. Teng was announced as Chairman today at the Jawi Golf Resort. Teng now has a huge task to lead the BN & Gerakan machinery for the 13th General Election which is schedule to be held any time soon. 

Teng CY's appointment have been a good move where every party have given good feedback. Gerakan members it self are very pleased with the appointment. There have been a few fiction in Gerakan. In 2010 an EGM was call to outcast Teng Hock Nan but failed. Now every member in Gerakan will unite to face PR in the upcoming election. Definetly Teng's appointment have given BN & Gerakan a new fighting spirit.

Saudara Teng & Major Huan at my wedding.

I have high respect for Teng Chang Yeow when he attended my wedding in 2010 evan tough, i had criticize him through the media ( Click Here ) on the Huan Cheng Guan suspension. With Teng to lead Penang in GE 13, i believe the ratio for Barisan National have now increase a little higher.

Batu Kawan Gerakan Wants Huan To Be Given Second Chance

Gerakan Grassroot Leaders oppose Huan's Suspension

http://malaysiakini.com/news/107081

Kenyataan Akhbar Menyokong Huan Cheng Guan

KENYATAAN AKHBAR

AHLI CAWANGAN TAMAN SUPREME, CAWANGAN STADIUM, CAWANGAN BUKIT TAMBUN ( BAHAGIAN BATU KAWAN )

Tujuan sidang media ini dipanggil adalah bagi merakamkan rasa kecewa serta terkilan ahli – ahli Gerakan di peringkat akar umbi dengan sikap dan tindakan segelintir pemimpin atasan Parti bukan sahaja di peringkat Nasional tetapi di peringkant Negeri dan Bahagian juga. Parti Gerakan kini dapat dilihat dikendalikan sebagai sebuah Syarikat swasta.

Keputusan Central Working Committee ( CWC ) untuk memecat Naib Presiden Saudara Huan Cheng Guan amat mengecewakan ahli di peringkat akar umbi. Ini kerana keputusan diambil tanpa memberi peluang kepada Saudara Huan untuk mempertahankan diri beliau. Selain daripada itu, dua orang pemerhati dipercayai turut mencadangkan serta memaksa CWC mengambil keputusan menggantungkan keahlian Saudara Huan selama 3 tahun.

Kami ingin menekankan di sini bahawa, sekiranya CWC dan Parti Presiden YB. Senator Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon yakin keputusan yang diambil terhadap Saudara Huan berlandaskan dengan perlembagaan parti, ‘Mengapakah beliau melarikan diri apabila beliau disoal mengenai keputusan CWC’ ketika sidang media di Parlimen semalam berkenaan dengan KPI Menteri. Kami musykil bagaimana beliau dapat mengeratkan perpaduan masyarakat Malaysia sebagai Menteri Perpaduan, apabila Parti sendiri berpecah belah.

Selain daripada itu, berita Star Online (Defiant Gerakan man may join another BN party, not the Opposition http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file =/2009/ 6/23/nation /41 71401&sec=nation ) yang memaklumkan bahawa Setiausaha Agung tidak dapat dihubungi untuk maklumat lanjut, cukup mengecewakan kerana ini menunjukkan pemimpin parti yang mengambil keputusan tersebut tidak bersedia untuk menerangkan atau mempertahankan keputusan tersebut. Mereka sedar tindakan mereka tersebut tidak berasas dan diambil semata – mata untuk menyenagkan hati ‘segelintir individu’ di dalam Parti. Saudara Teng Chang Yeow mempunyai masa untuk diluangkan di ‘FACEBOOK’ bersama rakan – rakan lain, tetapi tiada masa untuk menjawab kepada para media mengenai tindakan tidak beretika yang telah dilakukan

Kami percaya hanya sebuah jawatankuasa disiplin yang layak untuk mengambil keputusan terhadap seorang ahli dan individu tersebut perlu diberi peluang untuk menerangkan atau memberi pendapat. Kami kesal kerana, kami di peringkat akar umbi perlu berkerja untuk masyarakat untuk memberi semula keyakinan masyarakat terhadap Barisan Nasional. Pemimpin atasan pula, bertindak mengikut suka hati mereka dan ini menyukarkan kami untuk menjawab kepada ahli – ahli.

Pemimpin Gerakan kini masih belum sedar daripada kekalahan teruk Pilihanraya umum ke 12 dan masih mahu menghancurkan parti bukan sahaja di peringkat atasan malahan di peringkat akar umbi juga. Pemimpin Bahagian antaranya membuat pelantikan ahli JKKP Kawasan mengikut suka hati sendiri tanpa mengambil kira pandangan pemimpin tempatan atau Cawangan kawasan. Ahli yang tidak pernah menghadiri mesyuarak dari 2007 ketikan menjadi ahli JKKK masih dilantik sebagai ahli JKKK.

Ini menunjukkan masalah pemimpin parti untuk membuat keputusan seara peribadi bermula di peringkat akar urbi sehingga ke peringkat atasan. Kami meminta Presiden Parti untuk menyelesaikan masalah ini dengan berasaskan serta mengikut perlembagaan parti. Gerakan tidak sepatutnya menghancurkan kareer politik individu muda yang berkebolehan

Penang Gerakan & Teng Hock Nan Fails To Be Multiracial

Newly elected Penang Gerakan Chairman, Datuk Dr. Teng Hock Nan have been continuously sidelining Indian Members. First he failed to appoint any Indians to the State main body. Lately the appointment of Indian members as coordinators in Parliament and state constituency for Unit Penyelarasan Pelaksanaan , ICU

JPM. This is a clear early indication that Gerakan will not be fielding any Indian candidates for the 13th General Election. Penang which is the main stronghold of Gerakan for surely will loose more support especially from the Indian members due to the irresponsible action and decision by the new Penang Gerakan Chairman. Evan the Indian leaders in Gerakan have failed to voice this up. They are busy safeguarding their own interest and position for the sake of themselves, friends and cronies. Dr. Teng in a sms sent to an Indian member mentioned that, he is not racist and is indeed multiracial. I wonder if he ever knows what is Multiracial is really about.

Thumbs Up To Gerakan Vice President Huan Cheng Guan

I would like to touch on the speech given by the newly appointed Gerakan Vice President, Huan Cheng Guan for bravely bringing up issues relating to Gerakan and our Community. I followed my friend to a congratulatory dinner for the newly elected VC at Sunway Seberang Jaya on the 24^th Okt 2008.

As I walk in, I notice there were few tables occupied by the Indian members. Suddenly it struck my mind that this will be an usual dinner where we as Indians will go unnoticed. The show begins with opening speeches by few leaders and it was the turn of the newly elected VC. To my surprise, his speech showed the love for Gerakan and the Community. He was firm with the wrong decision by the top Gerakan leaders who has failed to be and act as truly multiracial, especially in penang. His speech also included ;-
1) Gerakan failed and lost badly in the last election because it failed to allocate seats for Indians and non Chinese. If Gerakan were to make a comeback, it should be realistic and start giving opportunities to Indians and non Chinese. The top leaders should seriously look into this and turn Gerakan into truly multiracial. Huan, vow to work hard to bring in more non Chinese and make Gerakan a truly multiracial.
2) As a VC of Gerakan, urged the Government to consider giving two days holidays for Deepavali. Chinese New Year and Hari Raya are given to days public holidays and it’s for the whole country. Why its only one day Holiday and its only for certain states? Make Deepavali as 2 days public holiday and for all states in Malaysia .
3) DPM have said to set a task force team to ensure all Indians who are still lack of birth cert and IC to help them obtain their identification. Huan urge Gerakan Indian members to be added into the task force team because there are many capable Indian leaders can help out to solve these problems.
4) National Registration Department should cut its red tape on issuing Citizenship for senior citizens. There are many out there who have stayed in Malaysia for the past 40 – 50 years but due to the red tapes by the department, these people unable to apply for their citizenship.
5) A special task force to be setup to for the people of Sabah and Sarawak to tackle their IC / Citiezenship / problems. Many people out there who are locals yet to have their identification papers with them.

Im pleased with the Gerakan VC’s statement. He was bold and truly being multiracial. Im sure Gerakan will now move further with leaders like him. Congrats to you for highlighting issues that normally leaders have been keeping silent. I would also like to suggest to Malaysiakini here to have an interview with this new VC of Gerakan to see his point of views and how he plans to bring up Gerakan.

GERAKAN, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon & Datuk Seri Dr. Teng Hock Nan Has FAILED !

To The Newly Elected Top Leadership Of Gerakan,

First of all I would like to congratulate everyone of you including Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon as President, Deputy President Datuk Chang Ko Youn, Vice-Presidents Datuk Mah Siew Keong, Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam & Huan Cheng Guan and fellow CC Members. I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Datuk Seri Dr. Teng Hock Nan who is now the Penang Gerakan President.

Hence I would clearly like to put down in written here that, I together with fellow members are totally disappointed on the way Gerakan have treated Indian members. Tan Sri Dr Koh and Dr Teng Hock Nan, I would like you to recall on the meeting held among Indian leaders at our Party HQ after the 12^th General Election.. In that particular meeting, both of u promise to give Indians more opportunities at the top level. Lately Evan during the NDC this issue was brought up. But it has been proved that the top leadership of Gerakan has FAILED to look into these issues.

I would also like to touch on the press statement by Huan Cheng Guan in The Star ( 15^th Okt 2008 ) that more chances should be given to Indians and the failure to appoint A. Mohan into top post shows that the current state leadership are bias. For the top leader’s info, If A. Mohan is a Gerakan member for 20 years, I am a Gerakan man for the past 28 years. Till now Gerakan have failed to give or appoint any long serving Indians into the Party top leadership. What a shame.

I would also like to slam the party admin and membership bureau for failing to recruit or in a better way to say FAILING TO ACCEPT new Indian members. In 2005 I submitted 60 over forms for a new branch in Penang. But during the last Branch level AGM when I gave a check, to my shock all of the names were missing. I had to recollect all the forms and too bad those who wanted to join Gerakan in 2005 got disappointed the way Gerakan handle the membership and with the top leadership. A fellow friend of mine who intended to contest for Branch Youth Chairman and later to the Division level could not do so. This shows that Gerakan are indirectly killing the political career of capable individuals.

Everyone around us are thinking that my boys are the Members of Gerakan, but it’s a shame that we are actually not due to the carelessness and bad intentions of the top leadership. If all this allegation of mine is not true and if the top leadership are sincere, Penang State Gerakan Chairman would have appointed Indians to the top post. He has given a sarcastic statement that Indians will be appointed into Bureau Chairman. We are capable for top post rather than bureau chairman. Im dare to say if all membership of the Indians is accepted, there will be more top Indian leaders In Gerakan. Whenever there is a new proposed branch with maximum Indian members, the branch takes time to get approved. Im saying this from my very own experience, I would have had my own branch since 2005 if all my submitted members were accepted.

Accept the challenge by Huan Cheng Guan to recruit more non Chinese into the National Gerakan Committee as Secretary general, Asst Secretary general, treasurer and assistant treasurer including to CC and CWC. I bet the top leadership will not do this. To all my fellow Indian members, we have been saying we love Gerakan and we are SATU HATI but if the leadership now fails to make changes, we walk out. It doesn’t mean we have to jump party, but stepping back is already a big slap for Gerakan because it will proof in the eye of 26 million Malaysian that Gerakan failed to proof themselves as multiracial party. Iv got offer to join some other component party from BN, but my love for Gerakan is true and I hope Gerakan leaders will open their eyes once for all and do the changes! SATU HATI.

Regards,
P. Velaendan & K. Prabakaran

P/S I won’t be shock if there is any Indian members who comes to defend this top leaders. They have been using us, put a stop to this.

Gerakan Official Results

All eyes was on the VP post where 9 candidates contested for the 3 VP post. The three-vice president posts were won by former Gerakan Youth chief Datuk Mah Siew Keong, former plantation and commodities ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam and Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) executive secretary Huan Cheng Guan.

Huan, 47, who was surprised by his win, also pledged to work to bring in more non-Chinese memberships for the party. However, he said, the racial composition of the new-office bearers would not derail Gerakan’s ambition to attract more non-Chinese members to the Chinese-dominated party. “I do not see that as a problem. What’s important is that the elected leaders are willing to work towards achieving the goal... and I am ready for the challenges ahead,” he said. Below is the list of elected Gerakan national office-bearers, following the party election at Menara PGRM in Cheras today beginning 11am.

President
Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon

Deputy President
Datuk Chang Ko Youn

Vice-Presidents (3 positions)
1. Datuk Mah Siew Keong
2. Datuk Dr S. Vijayaratnam
3. Huan Cheng Guan

Central Committee (18 positions)
1. Lau Chin Hoon
2. Dr Cheah Soon Hai
3. Vincent Hooi Wy-Hoon
4. Lee Ah Fat
5. Teng Chang Yeow
6. Chang Khee Choong
7. Ng Chiang Chin
8. A. Kohilan Pillay a/l G. Appu
9. Dr Ng Keong Chye
10. Yap Kea Ping
11. Lau Yeng Peng
12. Teo Kok Chee
13. Ong Thean Lye
14. Jayanthi Devi Balaguru
15. Ng Siew Lai
16. Wong Mun Hoe
17. Liang Teck Meng
18. Dr.Hsu Dar Ren

Huan Cheng Guan Eyes Gerakan Vice President Post

Press Statement By Huan CHeng Guan :

Due too the support and encouragement from grassroot, I will be offering myself as a candidate for the Vice President in the upcoming Gerakan AGM which is to be held on 11th Okt 2008. Currently i am holding the position as Vice Chairman for the National Youth and also Central Committee members. Gerakan now is at the lowest ebbs and it need changes to rejuvenate the party. gerakan also need leaders with political will and brave to speak out. I urge the delegates to come out in full force and vote for a change in Gerakan. There are many leaders who are endorsing their preferred candidate for the top post and i hope the delegates will be allowed to vote freely and there should be a clean election.

Huan Cheng Guan

Gerakan Reps Quit BN Youth In Protest

Athi Veeranggan | Sep 9, 08 5:49pm
http://malaysiakini.com/news/89375

Penang Gerakan Youth leader Huan Cheng Guan has quit with immediate effect as state Barisan Nasional Youth chief, to protest the disrespect shown to his party’s acting head Koh Tsu Koon by several Umno members yesterday.

They had torn up and trampled on a photograph of Gerakan acting president Koh Tsu Koon at the Penang Umno headquarters.Three other Gerakan Youth leaders - vice-chairperson Yew Khean Siang, secretary Oh Teong Keong and assistant-secretary Heng Thee Wey - will submit their resignations to the state BN secretariat tomorrow. Yew is the BN state Youth vice-chairperson, while Oh and Heng are members of the BN Youth committee.

Huan, who is currently in Taiwan, conveyed a message via SMS to BN national Youth head Hishammuddin Hussein this morning. He said he would not tolerate Koh being subjected to “such humiliation and utter contempt” by segments within Umno. “It’s too much for me to take. How could they tear down my leader’s photo and step on it? I have tendered my resignation as Penang BN Youth chief with immediate effect,” the former Batu Kawan parliamentarian told Malaysiakini via SMS.

Huan, who is on a study tour of Taiwan with 49 BN MPs in his capacity as executive secretary of the Backbenchers Club, also rejected calls by certain Gerakan leaders for him to abandon the trip and return immediately. “As the executive secretary, I'm duty-bound to be in Taiwan to co-ordinate the tour. I would be irresponsible to abandon it and return home now,” he explained. Huan, who has to relinquish his leadership of Gerakan Youth this month due to his age, had recently announced that he would contest the post of state chairperson in the upcoming party polls.

‘Dismayed by Umno’

The other Gerakan Youth leaders said they were resigning because they were dismayed by the ineptness of Umno and BN top leaders in reining in Bukit Bendera Umno division head Ahmad Ismail. “Ahmad is going on and on with his seditious remarks and threats to disrupt the harmony within BN and among Malaysians. His supporters tore down and stepped on our party leader’s portrait. But Umno and BN leadership are still hesitating to act against him,” said Oh. Ahmad’s supporters had verbally abused reporters and torn down Koh’s portrait in the meeting hall during yesterday’s press conference.

Ahmad had also told Gerakan to get out of BN and warned Chinese Malaysians not to mimic American Jews who not only sought to control the country's economy but also its political power. He has invoked a national backlash for his reportedly racist remarks by calling Chinese Malaysians “immigrants squatting in the country” during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign. Meanwhile, Kampung Kolam state assemblyperson Ng Wei Aik (left) lodged a police report at the Jalan Patani station in George Town today against state Umno secretary Azhar Ibrahim for saying that the “Sin Chiew journalist ought to be shot if her article causes another May 13”. The statement was reportedly made during an earlier press conference by Ahmad, held last Friday. Ng said Azhar’s threat amounted to criminal intimidation and he wants the police to probe the Umno leader without fear or favour.

George Town OCPD Azam Abdul Hamid said the police would probe Ng’s complaint without double standards. Sin Chew Daily has stood by its article and the journalist who wrote it.

Penang Barisan Nasional Youth Chairman Quits Post

Breaking News :

Former Batu Kawan Member Of Parliament, Huan Cheng Guan had just tendered his resignation as Penang Barisan Nasional Youth Chairman a moment ago. He is currently in Taiwan with the MP's study trip team. Huan had already inform Dato Seri Hishamuddin who is the National BN Chairman.

Sms Sent To Press :
To All Media Friends,

For your info, I have tendered my resignation as Ketua pemuda barisan Nasional with immediate effect because under such circumstances and situation it is not appropriate for me to hold unto the post. I have informed Dato Seri Hishamuddin in his capacity as Ketua Pemuda BN Malaysia. presently i am in Taiwan, study trip with MP.Thank You.

From, Huan Cheng Guan, penang Gerakan Youth Chief

AHMAD ISMAIL RUDE, STUPID, IDIOTIC, RACIST.

Two articles from The Star Online Today :

1) Get out of BN, Bukit Bendera Umno head tells Gerakan
2) Penang Gerakan cuts ties with state Umno

Ahmad Ismail have been giving statements that can create tensed and and effect the unity between all races which are living in a peaceful country. The latest press conference which was held yesterday where it ended up by tearing up the photo of former Penang Chief Minister, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon. The action can be describe as an idiotic behavior by those who are involved in it. Lately Penang UMNO have been giving press statement that can create anger and dissatisfaction, ie :-

i) Ahmad Ismail's speech included a wide range of topics such as the divide-and-rule policy of the colonial British, the immigration of Chinese and Indians to the country, May 13 racial riots, Malay special rights and privileges, the social contract, citizenship for non-Malays and New Economic Policy.

Former Bayan Lepas assemblyperson Mohd Zain asked “non-Malays to be extra careful with their deeds and words”. “Don’t disturb and push the Malays too much. Don’t think we are quiet.“We can retaliate very aggressively,” he thumped home amidst applause from supporters. (Malaysiakini News)

ii) I am surprised with the unexpected overwhelming support I had received from Malay -Muslims across the country. It seems Malays have kept back their disgruntlement for far too long and my issue had evoked their sentiments. It is going to be a major issue now(Malaysiakini)

iii) In another development, Penang Umno secretary Azhar Ibrahim has stood by his call for the Sin Chew reporter in question to “be shot” should a May 13-type racial riot breaks out. Contacted today, Azhar reiterated firmly that, “the journalist deserved to be shot if her article causes another May 13". (Malaysiakini)

iv) Tun Dr. Mahathir commented on why the Malays should apologies since Indian or Chinese political parties / leaders didn't do so for what Hindraf and Wee Meng Chee did. (Tun's Blog)

Maybe Tun don't realize that Hindraf or Wee is not a component party or BN members for the leaders / component parties to apologies. What Ahmad Ismail has done is far different from what he is trying to relate with Hindraf or Wee. Gerakan and Dr. Koh's action to cut ties with Penang UMNO is a brave drastic action and to send a message to UMNO that we dont tolerate racial Idiotic action. Well Pak Lah should be brave now to take disciplinary action on Ahmad Ismail to prevent from making the situation worse where Gerakan would have to pull out from BN. Other top level UMNO leaders have been saying that Gerakan should not leave BN since it's Ahmad Ismail personal statement. But they dont see or pretend not to see that when Ahmad have been giving his press statement where he is being flanked by all 13 Penang UMNO Division leaders, so how would that be his personal opinion?! UMNO should take disciplinary action on Ahmad immediately, if they fail to do so, Gerakan should not hesitate to pull out of BN. Ahmad's personal mistake now has been drag into fight's and dissatisfaction between component parties. UMNO - Stop creating racial issues and Gerakan - Stand against it ( creating racial issues). SATU HATI !

Ahmad Ismail & UMNO - Stop Being Racial

This press statement as publish in Malaysiakini could cause anger and hatred. UMNO is making the situation worse. Just sent Tan Sri Dr. Koh a sms stating that we are very sad with the way they have reacted and Gerakan should make a stand in this. Ahmad Ismail have blown up things. As Dr. Koh mentioned at the TV3 News, Current Penang CM have the power and can cancel the Datukship given to Ahmad Ismail if he wish to. Well Maybe we should leave BN if they would want to be so racial!

Penang Umno Backs Ahmad, snubs Pak Lah
Athi Veerangan | Sep 5, 08 4:10pm
Source : http://malaysiakini.com/news/89166

Backed by all 13 Umno divisions from Penang, the embattled Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail today fervently defended his stand not to apologise for his alleged racist remarks against the Chinese community. All Penang Umno divisions, including Prime Minister and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's Kepala Batas, fully supported Ahmad's stance, which erupted into a national furore over the past one week. The Penang Umno's action today came as a snub against the prime minister who had earlier urged Ahmad to make an apology.

MCPX

Abdullah, who is Penang Umno chief, is scheduled to have a meeting with the division leaders tomorrow. Instead of apologising, the local Umno strongman today accused vernacular daily Sin Chiew Daily and its journalist for triggering the controversy by reporting his speech out of context, which was delivered during the recent Permatang Pauh by-election rally in Kampung Belah Dua on Aug 25. “The newspaper and reporter were the ones who should apologise to me, my family, my friends, Umno and all Malaysians for misrepresenting facts and wrongly reporting my statements,” he said, while taking a swipe at the so-called trial by media, which had publicly found him guilty without hearing his side of the story. The packed press conference was unexpectedly held under an intimidating atmosphere with the presence of some 100 Umno members, mostly from Bukit Bendera division, frequently punctuated by shouts of racial slurs and threats.

Social contract

Reading out a 16-page statement, Ahmad recollected his by-election rally speech and did not deny it contained the statement that “Chinese were immigrants squatting in this country”. However, he argued the statement was taken out of context from a lengthy speech he had delivered to a largely Malay audience at the rally. In his rally speech, Ahmad claimed he only touched on “Chinese migration to this country” when narrating Malaysia’s historical background and the social contract agreed between Malays and other races when the country attained independence. His speech included the divide-and-rule policy of the colonial British, immigration of Chinese and Indians to the country, May 13 civil riots, Malay special rights and privileges, social contract, citizenship and New Economic Policy. “What I said was a statement of facts which no one can refute. “So it’s not wrong if I were to mention those historical facts in public,” he said, while taking a swipe at all those, whom he described as “Chinese extremist leaders”, for attacking him recklessly without finding out the truth beforehand. He said even though he had clarified the contents of his speech a day after to the media, no newspapers, television channels or online portals have reported his clarification. Ahmad's statement only became a controversy after several Chinese-based political parties, notably MCA and Gerakan, began lodging a series of police reports against the Umno leader. Many have called on the Umno leadership to sack Ahmad from the party. “It is the Chinese leaders who are causing this controversy, not me. “What’s wrong if a Malay leader touched on or defended Malay rights?” asked Ahmad.

‘Gerakan can get out’

Other local Umno leaders such as state secretary Azhar Ibrahim, Bukit Mertajam division leader Musa Syeikh Fadzir and Bayan Baru division chief Mohd Zain Omar joined Ahmad to rap those who objected to Ahmad’s rally speech. Azhar blasted the relevant Sin Chiew Daily reporter as ‘idiotic’ saying that “the reporter and the newspaper should be held responsible for inciting racial hatred and conflict”. Ahmad called Gerakan acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon as a “great liar and opportunist”, and said Gerakan can always “get out from Barisan Nasional”. He even claimed BN would not have lost in Penang in the last general election if not for the incompetency of former chief minister Koh and Gerakan. “MCA could have won more seats if not for Gerakan,” he claimed.

He accused Koh and Gerakan of seizing the opportunity by using him as a pawn to resurrect their waning credibility, position and relevance among the Chinese community. In a clear sign of defiance and internal mutiny over the controversy, Musa hit out at the Umno top leadership for apologising on behalf of the party without checking the facts with Ahmad. Deputy Prime Minister and Umno deputy president Najib Abdul Razak has already apologised over the issue to Chinese Malaysians on behalf Umno. “The national leadership can have its own stand, but Penang divisional leaders have theirs. “We fully back Ahmad on this issue,” Musa told journalists, rejecting outright Najib's apologetic gesture.

‘We can retaliate’

But the most intimidating threat came from former Bayan Lepas assemblyperson Mohd Zain, who warned “non-Malays to be extra careful with their deeds and words.” “Don’t disturb and push the Malays too much. Don’t think we are quiet. “We can retaliate very aggressively,” he thumped home amidst applause from supporters. Mohd Zain rapped Chinese and Hindus of “blowing up Muslim conversion issues out of proportion while at the same time, being quiet on Christianity conversion issues”.

Ahmad however argued that he was neither a racist nor anti-Chinese. The former municipal councillor, who is being investigated by the police under the Sedition Act 1948, said he has many Chinese friends, both personal and business, all these years. The press conference ended with a show of solidarity and strength from local Umno leaders, and shouts of ‘Hidup Melayu’ (long live Malays). Earlier in the morning, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said it was up to Umno to demonstrate its “sincerity and honesty” in dealing with the matter and taking a strong stand on Ahmad's refusal to apologise for his racist remarks. "Umno leaders must prove that they are not hypocrites by taking a stern and firm action on Ahmad," the DAP secretary-general told newsmen.

Indians Should Just Leave Gerakan

http://malaysiakini.com/letters/91692

Sivaperumal, P Velaendan and K Praba | Oct 21, 08 4:00pm

Our dear Gerkan leaders,
First of all we would like to congratulate everyone including Dr Koh Tsu Koon as Gerakan president, Deputy President Chang Ko Youn, Vice-Presidents Mah Siew Keong, Dr S. Vijayaratnam and Huan Cheng Guan and fellow Gerakan central committee members.
We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr Teng Hock Nan who is now the president of the 'Chinese-controlled' Penang Gerakan.
Hence, we would clearly like to put down here that we, together with other fellow members, are totally disappointed with the way Gerakan has treated its Indian members in Penang.

Tan Sri Dr Koh and Dr Teng, we would like you to recall the meeting held among Indian leaders at our party headquarters in Penang after the 12th general election. At that particular meeting, both of you promised to give Indians more opportunities at the top level of the party.
Lately, even during the national delegates conference, you asked members to vote for all races but you failed to act. It has been proven that the top leadership of Gerakan has failed to look into making Gerakan multiracial. Being multiracial is just a political gimmick.

We would also like to touch on the press statement by Huan Cheng Guan that more chances in Gerakan should be given to Indians and the failure to appoint A Mohan to a top party post in Penang shows that the current state leadership is biased.
For your information, Mohan has been a Gerakan member for 20 years while we have been Gerakan's men for the past 28 years. Till now, Gerakan has failed to appoint any long-serving Indian to the party’s top leadership. What a shame.
We would also like to take to task the party administration and membership bureau for failing to recruit or rather failing to accept and register new Indian members. In 2005, we submitted 60 over forms for a new branch in Penang and another 300 plus forms for another branch.

But during the last branch level AGM when we checked, to my shock all of the names were missing. Indians who wanted to join Gerakan in 2005 were disappointed with the way Gerakan handled their membership applications and with the attitude of party’s top leaders.

Friends of ours who had good representation and good ground work records intended to contest for branch youth chairpersons’ posts and later at he division and state level but could not do so. This shows that Gerakan is indirectly killing the political career of capable individuals.

Everyone is thinking that our boys are Gerakan members, but it's a shame that we are actually not due to the carelessness and bad intentions of the party’s top leadership. If all these allegations of ours are not true and if the top leadership is sincere, the newly elected Penang Gerakan chairperson would have appointed Indians to top posts.

He instead gave a sarcastic statement that Indians will be appointed as certain bureau chairpersons. We are more capable than being just bureau chairperons. We are dare to say that if all membership of Indians are accepted, there will be more top Indian leaders in Gerakan today.
Whenever there is a new proposed Gerakan branch with many Indian members, the branch takes time to get approved. We’re saying this from our very own experience for we would have had our own branch since 2005 if all my submitted member applications were accepted.

Gerakan should accept the challenge by Huan Cheng Guan to recruit more non-Chinese into the national Gerakan committee as secretary-general, assistant secretary-general, treasurer and assistant treasurer and also to the central committee and central working committee.

But we bet the top Gerakan leadership including the 'de facto president' will not do this. To all my fellow Indian members, we have been saying we love Gerakan and we are Satu Hati but if the leadership now fails to make changes, we should walk out. It doesn't mean we have to jump to another party, but walking out will be a big slap for Gerakan.

It will prove to 26 million Malaysians that Gerakan has failed to prove themselves as a multiracial party. We've got offers to join some other component party from BN but our love for Gerakan is true and I hope Gerakan leaders will open their eyes once for all and make the changes.

With the young blood that has been given the mandate to lead the party’s top leadership, I hope these leaders will make the changes. Certain former and current leaders are trying to control and select their cronies for the top leadership and we have to put an end to this.

If Gerakan is not willing to appoint Indians to top posts in Penang and at the national level, then it is a clear indication that for the next general election, no state or parliament seat will be given to us.

Saudara/saudari its time for us to wake up and make a stand on this. Satu Hati.

Former Batu Kawan MP, Eyes Penang Gerakan Chief Post.

Penang Gerakan Youth chief Huan Cheng Guan has welcomed acting party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon's decision to relinquish his post as the state chief.

He said it was time new blood took charge of the state party leadership. Huan, who is former Batu Kawan member of parliament and three term state gerakan Youth Chief, also confirmed that he was vying for the post in the coming state delegates conference in August.Huan said he had spoken to many members and they wanted change within the party, especially after the March 8 general election who have said that they prefer new young leader whereby someone who can introduce changes and bring the party to a higher level. An online survey which is being conducted by the Gerakan Youth Secretary's blog, showed that it is a tough fight between Chia Kwang Chye and Huan. Huan when commenting also said that he was confident of winning the post as he have most of the grassroots' support.

Huan Cheng Guan who is a former navy officer worked hard to reach the present position. Each and every grassroot members knows his background and his working style. Huan, who is a local born for sure is not a helicopter politician who was parachuted into the state. Huan said he believes that he can contribute invaluably to the party as the chairman in Penang. He knows that if he wins, there is a huge responsibility, which is to win back Penang and to put back Gerakan on track. Since the party needs someone who is local and willing to speak out for Penangites, than for sure, Huan is the right choice.

As for the Acting President who is vacating the post, Tan Sri Dr Koh should not favor any candidate who will be contesting the state chairman. There are certain articles by Tan Sri Dr Koh which favors Datuk Chia KC. It is time that we should let the grassroot members decide for the future leader, to lead and guide every Gerakan members, especially from this state. Tan Sri Dr. Koh should stick to his first statement that he prefers young blood to take over and more young bloods to be brought in. So let it be as it is now. The nomination for Branch level is done and election is few days away. Let all the grassroot members decide the Future Chairman Of Penang Gerakan / Penang Barisan Nasional Chairman. SATU HATI.

To Gerakan Acting President - Let Members Decide.

Who Will Be The Next Penang Gerakan Chairman?

With party elections from branch level is starting next month, every eye will be on the Penang Gerakan Chairman post since the current chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh TK will be heading to federal level to help rebuild Gerakan all over the country. The about to elect new chairman will be undertaking a huge and heavy responsibility to win back the heart of the people of Penang and to retain back 'The Pearl Of The Orient'. There is an online survey being conducted on the Penang Gerakan Youth Secretary blog with few names have been nominated. The survey shows that the members are interested in two candidates who are Datuk Seri Chia KC and former Batu Kawan MP, Huan CG. With Huan leading the poll on a slim vote, we can come to a conclusion that the ground level members are now interested in new blood.

With acting president already stating that he prefers new blood to lead Gerakan, well the mandate should be given to the members to decide. It is widely speculated that the Acting President is blessing his close aid, Chia KC for the post ( published in a Chinese daily ). So why play political game and confuse the members? If the Acting President wants young blood to take over, than he should not interfere in the selection of the state chairman. Tan Sri Dr Koh, you have taken a wrong step before election, please don't repeat it again. leave it to the members and we have a huge task to be done after the party elections. ( TO RETAIN PENANG )

PGRM - GERAKAN

Vision for Gerakan
To be the party of choice for all Malaysians.

Mission of Gerakan
To build a united, democratic, just, egalitarian, liberal and progressive nation for all Malaysians, transcending the barriers of race and religion.

The Three Thrusts
1. To voice Gerakan’s ideology, policy position and advocate a Malaysian solution for various major issues.
2. To rebuild, rebrand and re-empower the party at all levels to effectively serve and represent all Malaysians.
3. To win the people’s hearts and minds, and to regain the people’s mandate.


EIGHT (8) MAIN STRATEGIES FOR GERAKAN

1. To pro-actively formulate and voice principled policy positions, seek and effect workable and viable solutions, based on Rukun Negara and the party’s ideology, for major national issues affecting the country and the people.

2. To be a constructive and effective opposition in the states under Pakatan Rakyat and to be the voice of the people within Barisan Nasional to pursue the reform of Barisan Nasional as a genuine and effective multi-racial coalition of political parties, committed to realizing a fair and just Malaysian society.

3. To effectively rebuild and revitalise, enhance and empower the party’s presence and position nation-wide, especially in all our parliamentary and state constituencies in Penang and other states, with the aim of regaining people’s trust and mandate through the following:-

(a) reinforcing links and relationship with the people;
(b) upgrading effective services to the people;
(c) organising meaningful activities for the people;
(d) identifying and training potential leaders
(e) preparing for elections at all levels.

4. To actively reach out to and forge smart partnership with members of the civil society and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), such as associations, unions, guilds etc to work together to resolve issues and problems.

5. To embark on membership expansion and consolidation by:-
(a) motivating and activating existing party members;
(b) recruiting more Malaysians from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with emphasis on youth and women;
(c) providing more flexible organisational structure and attractive programmes, such as Gerakan Muda, open branches and cyber branches, etc.

6. To boost the morale and quality of leaders and members through increasing, revamping and upgrading political training programmes, for party leaders, members and supporters to reinforce ideological commitment; enhance knowledge on history, economy, society, culture, religion and politics; upgrade leadership, management and speaking skills, etc, and to make Gerakan competitive, vibrant and relevant as a learning organisation.

7. To re-energise and revamp the party’s organisation and administration at all levels, including bureaux and taskforces, so as to be even more effective and efficient in implementing various programmes and achieving the objectives of the party.

8. To further improve communication and public relations strategy to enable the people and party members to better understand and support the party.


EIGHT (8) MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN
Gerakan to set direction, state position and seek solution for each area

1. Safeguarding Human rights and equality --- including issues such as equitable distribution of opportunities and wealth, abolition, amendment or reform of existing restrictive or discriminatory legislations, policies and practices.

2. Promoting Religious freedom and harmony --- promoting inter-religious mutual understanding and respect, establishing clear guidelines and procedure on conversion from one religion to another, implementing more liberal and positive strategy for places of worship, etc.

3. Inculcating Common values and multi-cultural diversity _-- including inculcation of common universal moral values, appreciation of multi-culturalism and multi-racialism, etc.

4. Advocating Good governance and integrity –-- such as upholding the rule of law and separation of power, promoting judicial reform and a clean efficient and transparent government.

5. Generating robust and sustainable economic growth -- through enhancing competitiveness, promoting ICT and knowledge-based economy (K-economy), consolidation and diversification of various economic sectors, development of small medium enterprises, etc.

6. Sustaining ecological balance, quality of life, safety and security -- promoting better planning, proper environmental conservation and waste management, safer and more secured habitat, through more efficient services, more effective enforcement, and more active local participation.

7. Achieving a caring and healthy society -- through empowering women and youth groups, advocating gender equality assisting the disadvantaged and disabled, promotion of sports, cultural and social activities, etc.

8. Enhancing education and human resource development -- supporting the growth of all schools, colleges and universities; promoting multi-lingual capability and relevant skill sets; inculcating positive attitude and enterprising spirit to face future challenges and changes.

“ Reinvent ” Penang Gerakan

With Lee KC already stabbing the party, Gerakan now have to ‘Reinvent’ itself to boost the image of the party not only in Penang but through out the nation. Tan Sri Dr. Koh TK who have been leading the state Gerakan will now leave to concerntrate on the National level. No doubt that the people have rejected the leaders due to lack of ideas, failing in their respective portfolios and other reasons where there are too many to be listed out.

There are members who are commenting that present leaders have good repo and communication between the Gerakan members but thet failed to be friendly to the public who are the voters and that have caused the downfall. To ‘Reinvent’ Gerakan, the first action should be by bringing in new blood to join Gerakan. Second youth leaders should be given the chances to lead the Gerakan. Third the Indian members should be given chances to head and lead the party. There are Indian members who are capable but were not given the chances.

Back to the topic, to ‘Reinvent’ Penang Gerakan by giving the leadership to the yoths will not only boost the image of Gerakan, but it will definitely give the them a chances to bring new changes. Present leaders have been in the top level for quite some time and they have failed. Is it wise for them to give way for young leaders to start fresh and with new idea. The people of Penang are for sure expecting not only new faces but aggressive, brilliant, outspoken leader.

From my point of view, cureent youth leader who is capable, with no doubt is the Gerakan Youth Chairman, Huan Cheng Guan. No one can deny his commitment as an MP who spoke out on issues effecting the community as an opposition member on cases like the Perai St Mark School, Chai Leng Park Market, Simpang Ampat Flood and many more. His commitment to the people of his constituency, the heart to serve people, his ground work and his repot, for sure was among the best among all Gerakan MP or State Assemblyperson. Reinvent Gerakan, by giving chances to youths and let them win back the state.

Gerakan Should Take Action on Lee KC

12th General Election created many shocks and disbelieve when top guns and leaders who gave their full heart for the community, lost. Well things have been said, reasons have been listed out, meetings and post mortem have been held and discussed. The party leadership is now determined to win back the heart of the people and to retain the seats that were lost. Well Party leaders like Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon and Penang Gerakan Youth Chairman, Huan Cheng Guan have been visiting to the ground to meet people and leaders at grass root level in respective of race to rebuild Gerakan.

The action taken by Lee Kah Choon definitely has taken aback all members of Gerakan on his selfish action. Few days after the election Lee KC had called up Party Adviser Sdra Lim Keng Yeik to help rebuild the party and his promise to give his best, had gone down to the drain. No doubt his action now have caused stir not only among Gerakan but also DAP. There could be dissatisfaction between Lee KC and the party pior to the General Election or other reason, but rather than placing him first, Lee KC should have place the party 1st in his heart. I wonder how could he perform and give his 100% commitment when now he can be categorize as a person who is not firm, un reliable and selfish. Evan DAP would not have their full trust in him. For sure deep down their heart there will be doubt and suspicion.

Lee Kah Choon's action to turn back the Party and Barisan should not just let go. The CWC should take action against him. I do agree to certain parties that it is Lee KC personal wish to choose what he would want to do. But as a top leader, his action for sure would have disappointed his supporters, BN supporters, Gerakan Members and the Penang people who still loves BN. Leaders should always bear in mind that they don’t belong to their individual voice, but they represent voices of the people. Gerakan and Penang BN should take action against Lee KC for his failure to stand together with the party and disappointing the supporters.