Its vice-chairman Oh Tong Keong said the heavy defeat suffered by Barisan Nasional and its component Gerakan in the 14th general election (GE14) was due to a Malaysian tsunami, and not weak leadership by Teng.

Hence, he said, they should jointly bear the responsibility.

He pointed out that to continue the party’s struggle, they needed a talented and skilled leader to lead the party, especially the young members.

“Teng has extensive experience and knowledge in the political arena and the government. He also understands better the issues of national importance.

“All this while, Teng has played his role in providing checks and balances. He is like a spiritual leader to us.

“It is our hope that Teng continues to lead the party in facing future challenges, and protect the Gerakan family in Penang,” Oh told a press conference here.

Teng announced he was quitting politics for good after GE14.

PH won 37 of the 40 state seats, as well as 11 of the 13 parliamentary seats in Penang.

Teng himself lost in Tanjung Bungah to PH’s Zairil Khir Johari, obtaining only 3,902 votes compared to Zairil’s 13,245 votes.

Gerakan lost in all the seats it contested in Penang.