Gerakan deputy president Kerk Choo Ting today publicly asked delegates to support him as his post is being contested by a fellow member for the first time in the party elections tomorrow.

Kerk, who has held the post for the last 14 years, is being challenged by Kuala Sepetang state assembly representative and central committee member Siew Kok Kan.

In his speech when opening the party's Youth and Wanita conference in Kuala Lumpur, Kerk proclaiming himself a "humble and shy man who did not like to take opportunities", recounted a story told to him by party vice-president and Penang Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon.

The story was about Unites States Congress representative Ted O'Neil who did not ask his neighbours for support during elections.

He said after his poll victory, Ted went to thank a neighbour for supporting him and was shocked to learn that his friend had not voted for him.

When Ted asked why as they have known each other for 30 years, the neighbour said it was because he had never asked.

Kerk said some people often take things for granted.

Sincere support

"So now I ask sincerely for your support," Kerk told the 1,000-odd delegates at the party's 15th National Delegates Conference, held at Dewan Wawasan in Wisma PGRM, Kuala Lumpur.

The challenge to the party's deputy president post is a blow for Kerk, who is also the international trade and industry deputy minister.

The three vice-president posts held by Koh, Dr Tan Kee Kwong and Dr S Vijayaratnam have been returned unopposed.

Party president and Primary Industries Minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik has also been returned unopposed during nominations last Saturday.

At a press conference held later, Kerk reiterated that he was a "shy man" though people often mistakenly thought that he was "proud".

Response encouraging

"But looking at the response from the delegates, I feel I can pull through (the elections)," he said.

Asked how he felt about his post being contested when the other leaders were returned unopposed, Kerk said, "The other four leaders are lucky".

"I am a little unlucky. I have some localised issues although the problems can be contained in the state," he said.

"It is also unfortunate that this party elections is before the general elections. But we welcome everyone to contest. If relevant, I will improve and correct myself," he added.

However, Kerk said he was happy that he has the backing from the party chief, Lim.

He also denied there was internal bickering within Gerakan as all members work as a team. His challenger, Siew, is believed to have been backed by Kerk's rival, Koh.

Also seen at the conference today were Umno Youth chief and Youth and Sports Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn, outgoing Wanita chief Kee Phaik Cheen and Youth chief Teng Chang Yeow.