GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan has refuted allegations that the party is racially biased as claimed by its former vice-president and Wanita national chief Datuk Rhina Bhar.

Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye and vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said Rhina, a Gerakan member for 30 years, had been given the opportunity to rise up the party ranks and also contest in the general election.

"She was fielded in the Jelutong parliamentary seat against DAP's Karpal Singh but lost. There is no bias against any Gerakan member as Rhina was appointed a senator and a Penang Island Municipal Council councillor," Dr Teng said yesterday.

Chia added that Rhina had expressed disappointment at not being reappointed senator.

Rhina accused the leadership of practising racial bias when quitting the party.
Rhina, 59, claimed although Gerakan was supposed to be a multiracial party, its leaders had been making many racist remarks.

She also hit out at Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik for practising double standards and expressed her disappointment over acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon's reasoning for not fielding any Indian candidates in the recent general election.

Dr Teng regretted her scathing remarks against Dr Lim and Dr Koh.

Dr Teng said the party was unable to field Indian candidates in the general election due to seat constraints.

"We wanted to field candidates from all ethnic backgrounds but could not do so as our Indian members did not originate from the constituencies allocated to the party.

"The question of marginalisation of races does not exist in Gerakan," Dr Teng said, adding that two of the current senators appointed by Gerakan were Indians.

Dr Teng said this after witnessing the handing over of donations totalling RM46,480 from Gerakan to SJK (C) Chong Teik and RM16,480 to SMK Phor Tay for renovation and building expansion.