Wendy said the party’s experience in having developed Penang when it previously led the state government for many years, combined with the strong support of its PN coalition partners, positions the party well for success in the next elections.
“PAS and Bersatu understand this contribution and provide sufficient support for Gerakan to lead the state machinery,” she said in a statement today.
She also noted that the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) is now part of PN, and hopes for the same level of cooperation.
“The status quo applies. Gerakan, together with Bersatu, PAS and MIPP, will work to foster a government that is for the people of Penang.
“Whether Chinese, Malay or Indian, the people of Penang are all equally important. There is no discrimination, and everyone is a priority,” she said, adding that PN will engage with the whole population, even those who may not support the coalition.
Earlier today, MIPP expressed its readiness to lead PN in Penang following a report that the coalition plans to focus on Malay and Indian voters so as to secure a slim majority in the next state elections.
A source told FMT that PN acknowledges the struggle to capture Chinese votes in Penang, as its component Gerakan has struggled to gain their support in recent elections.
Although PN made substantial inroads in Penang at the state election in August 2023 by winning 11 seats, they were all won by the Malay-based parties, namely PAS, with seven, and Bersatu, four.
All of Gerakan’s candidates in Penang lost at the polls, including its president, Dominic Lau, who lost in Bayan Lepas.
Gerakan, a dominant force in Penang politics for nearly four decades, suffered a crushing defeat in the 2008 general election. The party, then part of Barisan Nasional, lost all its state assembly seats.
It failed to win any state seat in Penang in the next two general elections, in 2013 and 2018 (GE14), as well. The party quit BN after the coalition lost federal power in GE14.
While Gerakan rejects being labelled as a Chinese party, Wendy said that Chinese support for the party is growing, especially in Penang.
“Look at the results of the Sungai Bakap by-election, read the Chinese newspapers, and you’ll understand why there is a growing belief that Gerakan’s politics is cleaner than DAP’s, which is now mired in nepotism,” she said.