'Factionalism exists but can be managed'

Minutes after his victory speech, newly minted Penang Gerakan chief Teng Chang Yeow said that factionalism exists in every party, implying that Gerakan too, could not run away from it.

"It depends on the leaders, how we manage it. There is no way that everyone will follow what the chairperson says. If that is the case, then we have a dictator," said Chang Yeow, who was asked about the issue.

The issue of factionalism arose as Baljit Singh who decided to challenge Chang Yeow, is often perceived as a proxy of the old guards led by outgoing chairman Dr Teng Hock Nan (left) but the lawyer has refuted such allegations vehemently.

Chang Yeow emerged victor at the party's state level polls after defeating his challenger Baljit Singh with 220 against 106 votes, wiping out what keen political observers describe as Hock Nan's influence in the party.

328 or 82 percent out of 399 delegates from 13 divisions voted for the state chief's post, six state liason committee members and five national delegates.

Hock Nan also failed to be elected as one of the five national delegates.

The party's national delegates conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26, where a new president will be voted in to take over from Koh Tsu Koon.

On repairing the party's Chinese-centric image, Chang Yeow said Gerakan could not deny that as it relied on the community's support.

"We have to move on, and speak on non-Chinese issues as well. It's a situation that we must overcome," he conceded.

On whether he would return as state BN chief, a post he resigned from after failing to capture Penang from Pakatan Rakyat at the May 5 polls, Chang Yeow said he would have to discuss the matter with his comrades and other component parties.

The appointment is also decided by Prime Minister and BN national chairperson Najib Razak.

"My priority is Gerakan now, to strengthen ourselves internally first," he said.

No victors, no losers

On whether this victory would help him redeem himself as he had also failed to win the Bukit Tengah seat in the last polls, Chang Yeow said he was not the only one who fared badly.

In his speech, Chang Yeow said there were no victors or losers at this competition.

"Only Gerakan has emerged as the winner, I just got enough votes to be state chairman," he said.

Chang Yeow thanked Baljit, his friends and supporters, for a "professional and mature" contest.

"Likewise, I thank my supporters who did the same too as this is how Gerakan works. This is how we stay united in the party," he said.

Meanwhile, Baljit (left) denied there were factionalism within the party, although he managed to secure 106 or almost 33 percent of the votes.

"I am a lightweight, not a heavyweight but I am happy to get 33 percent of the vote. It is clear that our members did not vote according to race," he said.

Baljit offered to work with Chang Yeow to strengthen the party, urging his supporters to do the same.

"Factionalism is outside the party, not within. We will now all help Chang Yeow to rebuild the party," he added.