Gerakan at crossroads
THERE is life yet in Gerakan, even though the popular view is that the party has no chance of regaining control of Penang.
(TMI) – In politics, victories often come not from strength, but from a weaker opponent.
With DAP showing signs of stagnation in Penang after nearly two decades of dominance, Gerakan is eyeing a potential comeback. However, it is not aiming for an outright victory, said the party’s former Penang elections director, Wong Mun Hoe.
Wong said it is possible for Gerakan to win a few seats but acknowledges that reclaiming Penang may be “a bridge too far.”
Public sentiment about Gerakan leaders, especially Koh Tsu Koon, has improved, he said. When Koh is seen in public, people now greet him warmly, shaking his hand and even requesting selfies.
“Decades ago, they mocked him, but now there is a sense of camaraderie with the man who led Penang from 1990 to 2008.”
Having been involved in political brinkmanship for a long time, Wong is focused on one key aspect – winning elections instead of popularity
This raises the question: can Gerakan ever win a seat in Penang again? Several factors need to align for that to happen.
Former Kelantan PAS strategist Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah warned that during a political “storm”, the best approach is to take shelter. The storm will eventually pass, but at its peak, even the best candidates can be swept away.
For Gerakan to be ready when the storm subsides, the party must address its leadership issues. Insiders admit there is dissatisfaction with party president, Senator Dominic Lau Hou Chai, who is seen as too weak on the national stage.
There is also unease about Gerakan’s alliance with the Malay-centric Perikatan Nasional coalition, dominated by PAS and Bersatu.
“Why doesn’t Gerakan stand alone, focusing on Penang? Once the political dust settles, it could join a ruling coalition or become a credible opposition,” said an insider who wished to remain anonymous. “Instead, it’s currently voiceless and directionless.”
