Over the weekend I was at Kampung Bahagia, an isolated village that required 40 minutes boat ride from Kuala Krai which is a small town in Kelantan. Personally I enjoyed the stay with a sense of appreciating my life in the city. The closeness to the nature of forest and simplicity of its people livelihood was an interesting exposure. Although there was no newspaper, mobile-phone coverage and tv, news about Teng and Huan were informed, thanks to the internet.
A tussle between decency and gungho, a state chairman against an elected national vice-president. Would the public interested to know what transpired in the recent Gerakan’s affair? Yes and no. It started due to the appointment of coordinators (‘penyelaras’) in Penang (but some say since Teng took over the state chief). Previously again hours were squandered in a meeting with everyone listening and yawning over the their argument. It may not be a big deal after all, due to the party’s performance since 308. Nonetheless, it is perceived those who are selected would likely be the candidate of that constituency in the next election. It is the same old thing about position and power in any political parties.
A comrade asked: what has Teng achieves so far in Penang? For that it was also him and several quarters of the senior members who caused the clean-sweep. We can’t just blame everything on UMNO as if that is the benchmark of the swing. If one is really good and has been working hard to serve and gain support in his area, the voters are not blind. Some say it is time for the members and people to see that indeed there is a need to change certain leaderships of the party. The senior members need to realise that their time may be short lived and must learn to let go – this is what encourage the youth members.
Some still consider Huan as part of the youth, the VP will gain supports as he had done nothing wrong except for provoking Teng. Huan’s claim that he may leave the party along with 100 branches is a talking point too. Why 3 weeks? The Pemuda wants to investigate the true voice of the grassroots particularly among the youths. The public may perceives Gerakan is actively trying to revamp the party – a sign of democracy. On the other hand, the crucial question is whether what Huan did has a selfish agenda to promote his own cause, after all there had been implied records to prove his intention. Positively should the CWC decided to chop him off this time to prevent a floodgate or any similar threat, it would be a good move with the general election is still about 3 years to go. Actually would it makes any difference? What if that cause is for the benefit of the party as a whole?
Many have the answer of who is the President supporting. As for now whether a warning or a show cause is issued, we can expect some dramatic events in the coming weeks.
Such internal squabbling may even made it harder for Gerakan to rebuild itself (especially in Penang). Locals or DAP may be laughing over the matter with banner of criticism displayed openly. Would Teng leads Penang Gerakan to ‘Holland’ (message as in the banner) or is Huan doing it for selfish agendas? Perhaps I should rule out the issue of self-interest, after all it is part and parcel of the game. Above all, the party must realise Gerakan will have to revamp its tarnished reputation and cannot operate in its own space, ignoring the public perception.
andyyong
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