Gerakan Confident of Leading Perikatan Nasional to Victory in Penang State Polls
PETALING JAYA: Gerakan is confident in its ability to lead Perikatan Nasional (PN) to victory in the next Penang state polls, says its information chief Wendy Subramaniam.
Experience and Support
She said the party’s experience in having developed Penang when it previously led the state government for many years, combined with the strong support of its PN coalition partners, positions the party well for success in the next elections.
"PAS and Bersatu understand this contribution and provide sufficient support for Gerakan to lead the state machinery," she said in a statement today.
Cooperation with Coalition Partners
Wendy also noted that the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) is now part of the PN coalition, and hopes for the same level of cooperation.
"The status quo applies. Gerakan, together with Bersatu, PAS, and MIPP, will work to foster a government that is for the people of Penang.
"Whether Chinese, Malay, or Indian, the people of Penang are all equally important. There is no discrimination, and everyone is a priority," she said, adding that PN will engage with the whole population, even those who may not support the coalition.
Focus on Malay and Indian Voters
Earlier today, MIPP expressed its readiness to lead PN in Penang following a report that the coalition plans to focus on Malay and Indian voters so as to secure a slim majority in the next state election.
A source told FMT that PN acknowledges the struggle to capture Chinese votes in Penang, as its component Gerakan has struggled to gain their support in recent elections.
Challenges in Winning Chinese Support
Although PN made substantial inroads in Penang at the state elections in August 2023 by winning 11 seats, they were all won by the Malay-based parties, namely PAS, with seven, and Bersatu, four. All of Gerakan’s candidates in Penang lost at the polls, including its president Dominic Lau, who lost in Bayan Lepas.
Gerakan, a dominant force in Penang politics for nearly four decades, suffered a crushing defeat in the 2008 general election (GE12). The party, then part of the Barisan Nasional coalition, lost all its state assembly seats.
It failed to win any state seats in Penang in the next two general elections, in 2013 (GE13) and 2018 (GE14), as well. The party quit BN after the coalition lost federal power in GE14.
Growing Chinese Support
While Gerakan rejects being labelled as a Chinese party, Wendy said that Chinese support for the party is growing, especially in Penang.
"Look at the results of the Sungai Bakap by-election, read the Chinese newspapers, and you’ll understand why there is a growing belief that Gerakan’s politics is cleaner than DAP’s, which is now mired in nepotism," she claimed.
Conclusion
Gerakan is confident in its ability to lead PN to victory in the next Penang state polls, with its experience and strong support from coalition partners. The party is committed to working with all segments of society, regardless of ethnicity, to foster a government that is for the people of Penang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Gerakan’s strategy for the next Penang state polls?
A: Gerakan will focus on its experience and strong support from coalition partners to lead PN to victory.
Q: What is the party’s stance on Chinese support?
A: Gerakan rejects being labelled as a Chinese party, but acknowledges that Chinese support is growing, especially in Penang.
Q: What is the party’s approach to engaging with all segments of society?
A: Gerakan is committed to working with all segments of society, regardless of ethnicity, to foster a government that is for the people of Penang.