Gerakan central committee member Dr Hsu Dar Ren has resigned from the party, which he claims has been unable to break free of Umno’s “hegemonic race politics”.

He said that Umno has made it impossible for Gerakan to realise its ideology of establishing a fair and equitable society.

“Gerakan is a party with good ideology - to establish a fair and equitable society in Malaysia. It too has many conscientious members who subscribe to this ideology.

NONE“Unfortunately, within the framework of BN, where the hegemonic race politics of Umno predominates, it is  impossible for Gerakan to realise this ideal,” said Hsu in a statement posted on his blog.

Hsu (left) said Gerakan had failed over the years to “work from within” in BN in correcting ethnic issues and it was futile for him to be part of the system.

“In fact, as a result of more than five decades of race-based politics, the country has drifted so much apart that racial polarisation has never been as bad as now.

“Three years after the 308 general election, I sense that  apart from rhetoric, there is little change in policies gearing towards uniting the people and providing a fairer and more equal footing for all.”

He said he has no intention of joining other political parties but will continue writing on the importance of creating a fair and equitable society.

Hsu was elected to the Gerakan central leadership committee in 2008 and he was also the Cheras division chairperson He is also a practising doctor.

His claim to fame was a lengthy article on ‘eunuch politics’, describing how BN component parties are subservient to Umno.

Koh asks Hsu to reconsider

In an immediate reaction, Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon urged Hsu to reconsider his decision.

"As an idealist, Dr Hsu has often been very analytical and critical in expressing his views freely in party meetings and through the cyber media, even since before March 2008," said Koh in a statement.

"Although I do not agree with all his views, I always respect his right to do so."

Koh said that while the first two years after the 2008 general elections have been very painful, there has been some progress in the transformation initiatives driven by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"However, we must fully realise that such major transformations will take time to see big results which can be felt and benefitted by the people.
 
"Similarly for political reform, whereby there have been more open and sincere exchanges of views within BN meetings, cabinet and state exco meetings on various issues."