KUALA LUMPUR, 10 April 2009: Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon’s appointment into the cabinet was a good sign, said the party’s central working committee (CWC).
In a statement today, the CWC said the appointment showed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s trust and confidence in the former Penang chief minister.
After Gerakan suffered dramatic losses in the 8 March 2008 general election, including its loss of the Penang government, the party failed to secure a ministerial post under former premier Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Apart from Koh who was made senator yesterday, Najib yesterday announced the appointment of two other Gerakan leaders to his administration.
One was Selangor Gerakan chief Senator A Kohilan Pillay who was appointed deputy foreign minister.
Gerakan Wanita head, Datuk Tan Lian Hoe, was also made deputy domestic trade and consumer affairs minister. Tan was previously deputy information minister under Abdullah’s administration.
The CWC said Dr Koh’s appointment as minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of unity and performance management would promote greater national unity and enhance performance in line with Najib’s “1Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.” motto.
“Although the three Gerakan leaders’ tasks are heavy, the party has confidence that they will do their best to serve the country and the people.”
The CWC added that Najib’s cabinet was a balanced team of professionals and young leaders.
“They reflect the strength and diversity of the Barisan Nasional coalition which is representative of all Malaysians and all parts of the country.” — Bernama
Eric says
Understatement by Bernama. Gerakan is elated with this undeserved elevation, modern Gerakan (as opposed to its founders’ intention) is a minute Chinese-oriented party (as shown by its Perak’s special advisor on Chinese affairs to Zambry), shun by most electors.
Najib appointing Koh Tsu Koon in the cabinet emphasises the acute talent shortage BN is suffering. By the way, KTK confirms his lack of principle by reneging on his promise not to accept senatorship or ministerial post should he fail to be elected as Batu Kawan MP.
Dearth of talent and principle are now a BN trademark. Only one possible future for BN: federal Opposition!
James says
Who says Gerakan is happy with Koh Tsu Koon’s appointment? I think people have forgotten about a week ago, Lim Keng Yaik (ex-president of Gerakan) said in a Chinese daily that KTK should not take up the president’s post.
Maybe at that point of time, he was hoping that his son, Lim Si Pin (the Gerakan national youth chief) would instead be given a ministership. The Wanita chief got a deputy ministership. So, why not the Youth chief (by party hierarchy, he should be given…..)?
I also note that the Chinese daily reported that Lim Si Pin also requested KTK not to take up the post and that it was better to give it to other people in the party. I think there will be a fight between the Lims (father and son) vs KTK the minister….watch out KTK!