With the general election looming, NST speaks to Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong on the party’s preparedness and strategies to win over Penang
Question: Is a Penang swing back to Barisan Nasional in the 14th General Election (GE14) likely, especially after its dismal showing in GE12 and GE13?
Answer: I have been to many states and I cannot deny there is a shift in mood. I cannot deny that in 2013, Gerakan did badly, especially in Penang. We contested 17 seats in Penang — 13 state seats and four parliamentary seats. Unfortunately, we were not successful in retaining any of them. However, Gerakan Penang has not stopped working. Despite losing five years ago, we continued to voice out issues and provide services to the people. I am confident the people of Penang will give Gerakan a say in the state assembly in GE14. I expect improvement in our performance, although I can’t say how many seats we can win.
Q: Do you expect more scandals to be exposed if BN takes over Penang?
A: Lately, there are a lot of issues in Penang — the floods, hillslope erosion, the undersea tunnel project and many more. There are a lot of issues and Gerakan Penang has raised them. They have tried to come out with as much facts on the issues and (for now) we will let the investigating body do its job.
Q: What is the track record of Gerakan chief ministers (CMs) in Penang. Were any of them investigated for graft?
A: I did not hear of any such thing during the 20 years Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon served as CM. Even during the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu’s two decades in offfice, there was no such news. When Koh was CM, he worked hard and was transparent. But unfortunately, after 10 years of DAP leading the government, we still get blamed for everything. I find it amusing to see comments from the present leadership blaming everything on Koh. However, these same people take credit for all the good things, especially investment. When investment figures were good in Penang in 2009 and 2010, no one from DAP said it was because of Koh’s efforts. But, when there are problems, the fault lies with Koh’s government. Stop blaming him. I think he worked hard to build the base for success in Penang.
Q: You say there is a shift in mood with voters favouring BN. Are there any indicators to support this?
A: This is based on discussions and surveys we have done. It’s definitely better than 2013. In 2013, based on what I’ve read in the papers, the support from the Chinese was only 15 per cent. From my assessment, it’s much higher now. That’s why we are confident.
Q: What do you think of Pakatan Harapan’s promise to limit the post of the prime minister, chief minister and menteri besar to two terms if they win?
A: It’s all talk. Nothing but empty promises. When Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) was the prime minister, he made no effort to limit his time in office. That went on for 22 years. Now, you set everything (but) the Penang CM and Selangor MB have already been in office for two terms.
It’s all in their manifesto, but when they were in the position to do it, why was it not done? Now, they want to set the limit, but at the same time, they say it would not affect Selangor and Penang as this would apply only after GE14.
I’m more interested to see the report cards of the Penang and Selangor governments — whether their promises were kept.
I remember there was a pledge to abolish toll in Sungai Nyior but it was not kept.
Q: In January, Gerakan and MCA forged a partnership for GE14. How is the synergy? What has been achieved, especially in terms of preparations for GE14?
A: It was a historic first when 2,500 Gerakan and MCA leaders gathered in the same hall in January. MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and I gave speeches on the importance of helping each other.
There were many sceptics because people couldn’t believe there were so many Gerakan and MCA leaders in the same hall. Previous disagreements had led to us not having full cooperation. There was this mistaken notion that this a zero sum game, where in certain areas if Gerakan gets an extra councillor, MCA gets one fewer or vice versa. But, we are are telling our members that it doesn’t have to be a zero sum game. In GE13, both parties did not do well. We don’t deny there were problems, but I think we have to work together and this will augur well for both parties. Of course, I am asked if we would merge, but Gerakan and MCA can’t merge because ours is a multiracial party and this is clearly stated in our constitution.
Q: The MCA-Gerakan pact to bring back Chinese votes to BN has been likened to two sinking ships giving each other a lifeline. What are your views on this?
A: I know that the opposition is proud and arrogant. They think they can sweep all the seats. I saw one of the opposition leaders’ posts on Facebook that they would come to Teluk Intan and kill Mah Siew Keong and Gerakan. Firstly, let me stress that even if you kill me, it doesn’t mean that you kill Gerakan... because Gerakan is a party of idealism, conviction and principles. You cannot kill a movement. Secondly, Gerakan has many capable leaders who can take over the party reins. Forget about killing Gerakan.
Q: How many seats will Gerakan be contesting and what is the percentage of fresh candidates in your line-up?
A: We have applied to contest 45 seats — 12 parliamentary and 33 state seats. We have not received any confirmation, but we hope to contest that number. We hope to contest in Sabah, Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Perak. More than half of our candidates are new faces, including candidates from the women and youth wings. We also have Malay, Chinese and Indian candidates. Their names have been submitted, but the list is subject to the approval of the BN leadership.
Q: Will Gerakan be swapping seats?
A: A total of five seats, both state and parliamentary, will be swapped. We have discussed this with MCA. We are negotiating. Conclusions have been reached for some. However, I cannot disclose the seats because the BN leadership has to confirm this. I think that if we feel swapping of seats will help either party in winning in the area, we will do it.
Q: Will you stand in Penang?
A: I have contested in Teluk Intan, where I started my political career. I don’t believe in running here and there. Even after I lost, I stayed in Teluk Intan. Of course, there is much speculation because in 2013, I lost by 7,313 votes, and in the by-election, I won narrowly by 238 votes. The voters ethnic composition during the by-election was 42 per cent Chinese, 38 per cent Malays and 20 per cent Indians. Of course, there are a lot of opposition (members) who feel that because of the racial composition, Teluk Intan will be a tough seat. That’s why we lost 7,313. But I will not run away. I will stay in Teluk Intan. However, it is up to BN’s top leaders to decide whether I am still a candidate. But, if given a choice, I want to stay in Teluk Intan. We have many capable homegrown people in Penang who can represent us in the state seats.
Q: How do you rate your chances in Teluk Intan?
A: The opposition thinks Teluk Intan is easy for them because we lost by 7,313 votes in GE13. The electorate is 42 per cent Chinese, 38 per cent Malays and 20 per cent Indians. We also lost in 2008. The by-election was a narrow victory of 238, so I can see that the opposition is very confident of winning back Teluk Intan, from the things they have said. Nevertheless, because of the effort and hard work we have put in Teluk Intan, I will put my chances at 50/50. I think that’s a good chance.
Q: In the 2014 by-election for Teluk Intan, in which you won by a narrow margin, DAP fielded Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud. What happens if the 30-year-old is fielded again? Will you be doing anything different to tailor your campaign to cosmopolitan voters?
A: I don’t know who the opposition candidate will be, but it doesn’t affect me as I have my plans. We want to do what is best for the people of Teluk Intan.
Q: What happens if Gerakan does not fare any better in GE14?
A: As leaders, we must be responsible. If the party’s election results are worse, I will take full responsibility. I have spelled it out before and there is no need to say it again.
Q: Does this mean relinquishing your post?
A: I’ve said I will take full responsibility... Taking full responsibility would entail all these steps.