[UPDATED] Forget about it, says Gerakan president of ‘traditional seats’ concept

KUALA LUMPUR – Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau today told party members to do away with the traditional concept of parliamentary seats ahead of the 15th general election, saying it is no longer relevant in the current political climate.

He said the party will determine its own path, and work with its Perikatan Nasional partners to secure voters’ support.

“Forget the concept of traditional seats – that party’s constituency, this party’s seat. Change this mindset. No more traditional seats. No such thing.

“What’s important is a candidate who can win in that constituency,” he said, referring to the practice of parties or coalitions staking a claim to a particular seat.

Lau was giving his policy speech at the 49th Gerakan delegates’ conference at Dewan Wawasan Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik of Menara PGRM here.

The event was officiated virtually by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also PN chairman.

With the different political landscape today, Lau called on party members to be prepared to face any eventuality, including multi-cornered contests, in GE15.

“There may be three-cornered, four-cornered, or one-on-one contests.”

He said the party believes that Muhyiddin is capable of leading a government that is for the people, and will not interfere in the judiciary.

Gerakan has also outlined four action plans ahead of the elections, including rebuilding its image, preparing to face multi-cornered fights, starting a “war room” and using social media in its campaign, he added.

In a press conference later, Lau said the party is leaving it to the PN presidential council to decide on seat allocation for components come GE15.

“PN at the federal level will decide. We (Gerakan) may get more or fewer seats compared with GE14. (But) what is important is that PN must win.”

He said ensuring PN’s victory is the main focus of his party, which joined the ruling coalition on February 11.

He said Gerakan is still banking its hopes on Penang, a former stronghold where the party held the chief minister’s post for 39 years.

In the last elections, Gerakan contested on a Barisan Nasional ticket in 22 parliamentary and 31 state seats, and lost in all.

The conference saw 10 resolutions, covering issues related to the people’s welfare, education, digital development and national unity, passed unanimously by the 623 delegates physically present.

One of the resolutions is to support Muhyiddin’s leadership to ensure stability and continued efforts in the fight against Covid-19.

On education, Gerakan urged the government to explore the use of new technologies and ensure the delivery of facilities so that no child is left behind.

Putrajaya is also urged to channel as much assistance as possible to small and medium enterprises, which have taken a hit from the pandemic.

As a fast-developing country adapting to significant technological advancements, said Gerakan, there is a need to boost investment in digital development, in suburban and rural areas.

On women’s role in nation-building, the party said it is crucial to increase their involvement in the executive systems, such as the Dewan Negara, Dewan Rakyat, state assemblies and cabinet.

Given this, it called on the government to introduce strategies to spur female participation in the nation’s executive affairs. – Bernama, March 13, 2021