Koh says will resign but gives no succession plan

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has announced he will resign as Gerakan president before his second term ends but refused to disclose his succession plan.

The embattled party president told reporters that he will let party delegates decide who will be his successor.

“I will step down earlier if new leaders are ready and have the support of the delegates,” Koh said during a press conference after attending the party’s AGM.

He added that he wants to stay for only two terms because he is not “dependent on party and government posts”.

However, Koh (picture) explained that he is not seeking any signal from the delegates and hopes a leader will naturally appear.

“I am not asking for any signal, I am asking them to work hard. Please work hard so that we can become united and work hard for party, country and the people.

“I am checking with the delegates [if there are capable new leaders to succeed me]. That is why I am throwing this so maybe some names will float and people can discuss but don’t speculate,” he said.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department also stressed that he is ready to step down next year if the party shows that it is “dedicated” and “united.”

“If there are capable leaders and we are united and have the fighting spirit. If they can move the party forward and Gerakan is very determined, dedicated and united. Why not? I am assessing now [who can replace me] but it is not for me to decide but it is for the delegates because we are a very democratic party,” he said.

Koh’s first term as president will end during next year’s party election and will seek to be re-elected for another three years.

The former Penang chief minister added that no leader is irreplaceable and indispensable.

“Of course some people like me to go and some people do not want me to go. I don’t expect any signal. No leader is irreplaceable and indispensable. You always have to get ready fast. That is all,” he said.

Koh also refused to comment on his predecessor asking him to not overstay his welcome but instead listen to party members who have lately questioned the leadership.

Former president Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik recently announced his decision to quit as party adviser, citing his dissatisfaction with Koh’s leadership.

The former Beruas MP accused Koh of being too afraid to resolve internal party conflicts, referring to the recent Penang Gerakan leadership crisis.

The party president is expected to face a barrage of criticism during the party’s national delegate conference as many are unsatisfied with the party leadership.

The growing unhappiness towards the party leadership culminated when Penang Gerakan leader Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan survived ouster attempts by grassroots leaders.