Gerakan is peeved with controversial former Bukit Bendera division chief Ahmad Ismail for suggesting that the party should apologise if it wants to work with Umno in future.

teng hock nan pc 240909 01Penang Gerakan chief Dr Teng Hock Nan (left) said that Ahmad's statement and actions are definitely against 1Malaysia concept promoted by Prime Minister and Umno president Najib Abdul Razak.

"His asking Gerakan to apologise shows clearly he is still living in a mindset of racial dreams. His statements and actions are not in tune with the PM's 1Malaysia concept and Gerakan's multi-racial policy," said the former Penang state exco for local government, environment, and traffic management.

"The question of Penang Gerakan apologising to him does not arise at all."

Teng was the assemblyperson for Kebun Bunga.

Yesterday, all 36 executive committee members of the Bukit Bendera Umno division resigned in a move to force the re-election of the committee, in particular to return Ahmad Ismail as its chairperson.

ahmad ismail putrajaya meet pm 090908 05 Ahmad (right) had accused then Gerakan deputy president and Penang chief minister Koh Tsu Koon of causing racial tensions and instigating the Chinese.

Ahmad was suspended from Umno for three years following a public outcry after he called non-Malays pendatang (immigrants) during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign in 2008.

His suspension was cut short last December and his membership rights were reinstated. He has maintained a low profle since.

MCA-style politics?

Bukit Bendera DAP parliamentarian Liew Chin Tong said the action of the Umno members who quit enbloc to bring Ahmad back as division head yesterday was a replica of MCA's style of politicking.

"Why are they so eager to do this at this point of time? In the context of what happened with Perkasa, I believe this is a response from the Umno grassroots to show they are also doing something (for the Malays)," said Liew, who is currently attending parliamentary sessions in Kuala Lumpur.

Perkasa, is a coalition of Malay NGOs which was recently launched in Kuala Lumpur.

Liew called on Gerakan and MCA members to intensify their protest against Umno and not keep silent on issues raised by the latter.

liew chin tong penang pc 070509 01"We often joke that there is 1Malaysia, 2Barisans and 3 MCAs in Penang," quipped Liew (left).

"For example, Gerakan leaders are saying we are not doing enough for the Chinese while Umno leaders are saying we are not doing enough for the Malays, so which is which?"

PKR Balik Pulau parliamentarian Yusmadi Yusoff said the Bukit Bendera Umno division's antics yesterday are an indication that Umno has not changed.

"Whatever initiatives Umno can propose, whether it is 1Malaysia or the New Economic Model, Umno is still Umno and all their reforms are artificial ones." he said.

"Penang's decision to reject BN in the last general election on March 8, 2008 was certainly a correct one."

Since Ahmad had attacked Gerakan for voicing its concerns about his alleged racist statement, Yusmadi said he is inviting all Gerakan members "with open arms to join PKR as the future of Penang is Pakatan Rakyat".