Gerakan president Dominic Lau has issued a stern warning to party leaders against pursuing personal agendas, stating that such actions risk weakening the organisation and benefiting political rivals.
Speaking at the party’s 58th anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur today, Lau noted that individuals raising issues for self-interest could expose Gerakan to attacks at a critical juncture. He stressed that prioritising personal gain over party interests essentially provides opponents with the means to undermine them.
Internal stability and election postponement
Lau addressed criticisms regarding the decision to postpone internal party elections, clarifying that the move is both constitutional and supported by precedent. He explained that the central leadership has the authority to delay polls to maintain focus on the mandate of the people.
The party president indicated that internal elections might now be held several months after the next general election. He reminded members that dissatisfaction over positions or leadership styles should not lead to baseless criticisms that harm the party’s collective goals.
According to Lau, the 58th anniversary serves as a pivotal moment for Gerakan to reform its campaign strategies. He argued that the party cannot rely on outdated methods and must achieve grassroots unity to regain public trust and electoral support.
Role as a moderating force
Positioning Gerakan within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, Lau described the party as a moderating force capable of addressing concerns affecting non-Muslims. He cited the party’s quiet diplomacy regarding a directive in Terengganu that required karaoke centres to close at 10pm.
Rather than issuing public condemnations, Lau said Gerakan engaged directly with Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to resolve the issue. He described this as an unconventional but effective approach to problem-solving within the coalition.
Lau expressed confidence that as a multi-ethnic party, Gerakan has the potential to appeal to a broad spectrum of Malaysians. He claimed that if the party could secure 40 parliamentary seats, it would have the capacity to significantly shape the nation’s future.
Preparing for the 16th General Election
With expectations that the 16th General Election could be held as early as this year, Lau urged all party machinery, from branches to the central level, to begin immediate preparations. He also noted that state elections in Melaka and Johor could occur at any time.
On the matter of candidate selection, Lau reaffirmed the party’s non-ethnic stance, stating that the ability to win a seat takes precedence over ethnic considerations. Discussions regarding seat allocations among PN component parties are already underway, though final decisions have yet to be reached.
Observing current political trends, Lau suggested that the next general election might result in a hung parliament. He concluded by urging members to reach out to the public and demonstrate Gerakan’s strength and readiness to lead.
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