GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan has pledged to put its disastrous 14th general election (GE14) campaign behind it, and focus on making a comeback in the state by contesting in local government elections.
Its president, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, said that the party will start small by contesting in local polls as a preparation for the GE15.
“We will start with local (government) elections.
“Many people asked why Gerakan did not take part in the Balakong by-election, since we are already independent. The reason is that we are not ready. We have to admit this.
“Local (government) elections will be held in two years’ time, so they are a good opportunity to strengthen ourselves before GE15.
“Moreover, we believe we can do well in local elections in Penang, as our representatives are services-oriented. I hope voters will support the candidates who can serve them well,” Mah said at a press conference after launching the Penang Gerakan Delegates Conference here today.
He added that Gerakan is open to working with any party with the same political ideology, which is to serve the people.
However, Mah stressed that the party will continue using its own flag while doing so.
“We have our weaknesses in the party, many things need to be done. In six months’ time, we will have new leaders to lead the party. I will leave it to the new leader.
“Between 1968 and 1973, we led Penang independently. This proved that we can still do it – however, we are open to cooperation with other parties as well,” he added.
Mah also proposed that the division leader post be limited to three terms, with each term comprising three years.
“We will put this proposal in the resolution in the National Gerakan Delegates Conference on Nov17,” he added.