‘Right move to leave coalition’

POLITICAL commentator Datuk Cheah See Kian ( pix) sees Gerakan’s decision to withdraw from Barisan Nasional (BN) as the right one, but says it remains to be seen whether the party can find a lifeline.

“Gerakan is now at crossroads. Apart from having to deal with funding and membership problems, it is crucial that the party charts the right course,” Cheah was quoted as saying in an interview with China Press published yesterday.

Cheah had suggested after the 14th general election that Gerakan, which found itself between a rock and a hard place, should merge with MCA as a means of possibly staying relevant.

“Gerakan is headed for doom if it stays on with BN but there is no telling now that it can find a lifeline outside the coalition.

“The only hope it has is to merge with MCA, which will call for the latter to also leave BN.”

However, Cheah said he does not foresee Gerakan’s withdrawal from BN as having any significant impact on Umno, which is the backbone of BN.

Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai told the daily that a section of the party grassroots is indeed calling for the party to leave BN but said the party has to wait for a decision from the MCA reform committee, which is currently getting feedback from members.

He said although no deadline has been set, the committee is expected to make a decision by the party’s next general meeting.

“MCA has no time to worry about whether BN is still alive. MCA is concerned only about party reform and its future direction.

“Issues such as whom it should work with in the next general election will have to be dealt with by the party’s new leadership.”

“It (Gerakan’s decision to pull out of BN) is no longer important to MCA. MCA wants to carry out reforms and keeps members updated (on this agenda). We are very positive about the party’s future,” said Liow.