Despite suffering its worst defeat in the 2008 general elections, Gerakan is fighting to stay afloat, amidst snap polls speculation, which could be either at the end of this year or early 2012.

NONEAnd in its effort to prove that its performance has not declined as sharply as perceived since the political tsunami, the party announced that it had recently managed to attract four independent assemblypersons into its fold.

Gerakan national chairperson Koh Tsu Koon declared that there were two pieces of 'evidence' to refute claims that the party would close shop if it fares badly in the coming polls.

"Since 308, we have formed many new divisions in many areas and we are the only party which has attracted four elected independent assemblypersons to join us - three from Sabah, and one from Pahang," said a confident sounding Koh, in Penang yesterday.

The impending 13th general elections is considered a tough challenge for BN components parties, even for Pakatan Rakyat, as they face heightened political awareness among the voters.

Voters are said to prefer choosing a candidate based on their previous performance or character over their political affiliation.

Fresh breath of life

Koh, who is a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said he believed that the state legislators joined Gerakan because of its principles, proving that the party's brand was still viewed positively by the public.

The state reps are from Sabah - Raymond Tan Shu Kiah (Tanjung Papat), Au Kam Wah (Elopura) and Peter Pang En Yin (Karamunting ) - and from Pahang - Ho Yip Kap (Tanah Rata).

Squashing public perception of Gerakan of being hamstrung party after 40years , and no longer up to any challenge in the coming years, Koh turned philosophical.

"Life is full of ups and downs, when you are determined not to stay out, you will fight back," he said, giving the impression that he is nowhere near relinquishing his party post for young turks to take over the party's helm.

Koh, who was Penang Chief Minister for 18 years prior to 2008, was in the state to hand over RM6 million to the Wawasan Open University Education Fund.

During a press conference later, he was questioned on the heightened expectation of snap polls, and whether Gerakan was up to it.

Koh attempted to turn the tables on journalists, saying that it was the media probably the ones who indulged in the speculation.

He declined to drop a hint when the snap polls would be, saying "we will let you know when the time comes.

"Sometimes when you talk too much (about it), it will not come. When you stop talking (about it), it happens," he quipped.

'Life if full of surprises'

Turning philosophical again, he added, "Life is full of surprises, although sometimes it can be unpleasant".

When asked if the DAP's latest strategy of reaching out to Malay voters via its new portal Rocketkini would present a threat to the BN, Koh continued to be in a denial mode.

"How can it be a threat? Even you cannot say (whether it can or not)," he said.

Apart from the political setback that Gerakan has to contend with, Koh himself is facing a possible ouster as some members have openly called for him to quit as party chief.

Koh tried to brush the question aside by ticking off the journalist who had queried, saying "it is probably your own sentiment?"

He was quick to add though that "Gerakan is a democratic political party, it must have different voices".