GEORGE TOWN – Penang Gerakan can cope despite the departure of its top leaders – former stalwart Teng Chang Yeow and ex-state youth wing chief Jason Loo Jieh Sheng.
Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong, who also leads the state chapter, said it is a loss to the party but Gerakan must continue its struggle, especially when the people of Penang have begun to realise that Gerakan’s arch-rival, DAP, is a party full of empty promises.
“People here are beginning to see that DAP is like any other party in the country right now. It has frogs (politicians who defect to other parties) and tends to make empty promises.”
Oh said while he is saddened with Teng’s decision to quit the party, the fight on who can best represent Penang in the future shall continue with Gerakan.
He also said that the people are fed up with DAP’s inability to develop the state despite making various promises since 2008 when it first came to power.
“It blamed others but when it was in power for 22 months from 2018 until last year, what did it really do? People can see and compare.
“I think the adage of check and balance is making a comeback. We saw it at the Melaka state election where despite a strong showing by Barisan Nasional, the people also voted for the opposition voice. The people are discretionary now.”
Oh, who agrees the voter demographic in Melaka is similar to the one here, said the people know that a check and balance is a must after they were let down by a number of politicians in the past year.
Although Gerakan contested in five seats in Melaka and lost all of them, including its deposits in two seats, Oh said there is hope.
Loo had announced on Facebook today that he has withdrawn from the party after emailing his resignation letter.
He lashed out at Gerakan for falling back on its earlier decision to contest as an opposition entity for the first time.
Loo made no secret of his disdain for party president Datuk Seri Dominic Lau Hoe Chai for bringing the party into the Perikatan Nasional fold.
“Comrades, this is the last time I shout with you: Satu Hati! Satu Hati!” said Loo. – The Vibes, November 23, 2021
