Sunday May 12, 2013

Koh to step down as Gerakan president

Farewell: Dr Koh waving to the reporters after the press conference in Wisma PGRM. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon will step down as Gerakan president, effective May 16.

He said his decision was based on the party being trounced in the recently-concluded 13th general election for which he accepted full responsibility.

“I have made known my decision to the prime minister.

“It is also to enable the party to start the process for change through the party election on Oct 26,” he said in a press conference yesterday after chairing the party's central committee meeting at its headquarters here.

Koh said deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn would be the acting party president but he would still contribute his services whenever needed and would remain with the party in its struggle for the people.

Meanwhile, Dr Koh said the party would stand by its decision to decline any position in the Federal Cabinet, but Gerakan leaders could accept positions at state level.

Gerakan contested in 11 parliamentary and 31 state constituencies in the last general election.

The party won only one parliamentary seat, Simpang Renggam, and three state seats, Sidam in Kedah, Pemanis (Johor) and Tanjong Papat (Sabah). - Bernama

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