Gerakan members have been issued a gag order by their president Dr Lim Keng Yaik against making any comments with regards to their BN-ally MCA.

Lim has warned his party members, especially from Penang, not to be involved in any tit-for-tat arguments with MCA members, specifically on matters relating to who will control Penang after the next general election.

Penang state leaders from the two Barisan Nasional coalition parties has been hurling brickbats at each other over the past few weeks with claims and counter-claims relating to seat allocations and ultimate control of Penang.

This has even prompted the Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to instruct the leaders and members of the parties to stop the criticism against each other.

"They must stop. It cannot go on like this," Abdullah was quoted as saying in the media today, adding that the present situation, if allowed to continue, will be unhealthy for the Barisan Nasional.

Although the BN is in control of Penang, the state administration is held by Gerakan, a prestigious honour which the MCA wants to wrestle, and coming very close in the last general election.

MCA, the second largest party in the BN, or at least its state leaders, now feel it can take control of Penang in the next election. This has unnerved Gerakan and as a result a war of words has started between the two parties.

It was to stop this from escalating, the gag order was issued today.

Exhibit discipline

"I would like the Gerakan members to stop this debate. Don't answer even if provoked by comments of grassroots members of MCA. Our decision has already been clearly stated...and we will discuss it (any controversies) at the BN Supreme Council," Lim was quoted as saying in Bernama.

"It is not a matter for debate and I would not like to see Gerakan leaders at State level engaged in a debate over comments from MCA State leaders," Lim added.

Lim also said that at national level he shared a good rapport with MCA's leaders and that this was evident when MCA responded well when he initiated the Gerakan-MCA unity dinners at constituency level.

"I hope to see more of that in the coming months. So, in order not to spoil that spirit it is better to keep out of any controversy or any debate and take it up at the appropriate forum... that is the BN Supreme Council," he said.

"I ask all Gerakan members to exhibit discipline and not voice any opinions concerning this matter. And I trust Gerakan members are disciplined,"

The primary industries minister also said that Gerakan's focus was now aimed at preparing for the general election, due by November 2004.