Gerakan Dilemma 2

Is Gerakan’s future bleaking? Lately, I must say that some party leaders and insiders revealed that they are losing confidence and vision in the party. No one is contented with the rate the party is moving now. Previously before officially elected, President Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon announced that he will be concentrating on rebuliding the party and will not stay more than two terms. Generally the public view Gerakan as a sinking ship particularly after losing its political force in Penang. Regrettably most youth members are doubtful that Gerakan can return to its glorious days in the next 5 years or so. Everyone knows that there is a need to rebuild or revamp the party, thus the strength of the leaders to influence is inevitable to ensure unity and fighting spirit of that common struggles. Does the party has a common goals, ideals and objectives among the members now? Is it worth the struggles? Although the ideology and objectives are expressly stated, members do not seem to understand, just like the 1Malaysia concept voiced by some people. The truth is support is eroding unless one interprets that a party is all about that few people or is now a platform to satisfy personal interest. One may ask: isn’t that has been the way the game played all this while? As a result, the respective party leaders of different divisions and states are there to mind their own business. After all each of them do have their own base with various supports. Eventually it is a superficial appearance by having divisions/branches nationwide just to show that Gerakan is a national party. So, what is exactly the problem? Is it due to lack of funds, leadership quality or wavering vision of the members? It is a combination of factors. Some people think that where there is a vacuum, there is an opportunity. My main concern is how can Gerakan excel and be effective again.

We need to look at a larger and overall picture to understand such dilemma.

I am inclined to agree that there is no carte blanche for the party to move forward effectively in the near future. I am also quite sceptical that Gerakan could continue to be BN’s conscience. This is due to the reality that Gerakan has lost its base in Penang, there is no more bargaining power on hand. Other states, although the party still have a few seats, such can hardly draw strong public support. People know, politics is all about power and in those states, no matter how good the party can perform, it would easily sidelined by UMNO or MCA. Talk about funds, I do not think every states outside of Penang require millions of ringgits to be relevant. It is definitely within the party’s availability if constructive and purposeful spending is required. A leader even told me that it is a question of who brought in and control the funds of the party.

Yesterday another leader commented that the President is someone who hardly understand the needs of the grassroots, therefore some are fearful that he may not last for another term (if there is a challenger). With the President’s current portfolios in the Ministry, party and Penang BN, it is obviously an uphill task for him to focus on rejuvenating the members of the party. Of course in any organisation, it is never easy to please everyone, that is the fact. Nevertheless grassroots support play an important factor, many are the stalwarts of the party. One must not forget that the President has the discretion to delay the party election until the next general election and if Gerakan can excel, it will be a different ball game again. Any position given in the party will not guarantee a strong grassroot support, it is again the leadership ability.

There is a need to balance the senior and youth members. Talks about giving the opportunity to the young leaders to move up in the party hierarchy should be supported. After all, one day the youth will take over. To mould or train future capable leaders is another difficult task. Undoubtedly I have to disagree that academic qualification is not an important criteria in any political party. It was once DAP’s main agenda to recruit skillful and capable intellectuals from various backgrounds. It is all about leadership quality, while having the ability to speak effectively, to debate on policy; it is also inextricable to have that skills to understand and motivate the grassroots.

Now, tell me at current situation, who is more qualified to lead the party other than Tan Sri Dr. Koh? Is Dato’ Chang Ko Youn or Dato’ Mah Siew Keong capable of making any difference? Perhaps would Dato’ Seri Chia Kwang Chye makes a comeback to transform the party? Is Penang the only state Gerakan can regain its trump card? A political analyst proposed to me that it will be ideal if the youth can organise a roadshow or rally around the country, explaining to the people the true meaning of bangsa Malaysia or 1Malaysia, ensuring the party’s relevance remain intact. I aver that if the party does not create and foster a common goals or objectives for its members to fight the good cause, it will remain stagnant (or into oblivion) until the day someone is there to shake it.

The more we focus on the good, the more we will be able to inspire people to do their best. Gerakan may be reaching their lowest ebb again, sincere fellowmen will not give up if they keep a firm, clear vision of their goodness. Satu hati!