Gerakan Polls Prabagaran Withdraws From Deputy Race

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Gerakan deputy speaker V Prabagaran has pulled out of the race for deputy president, his party colleague Liang Teck Meng announces.
Liang, who is contesting the party presidency, said Prabagaran’s withdrawal was due to certain quarters wanting to “kill democracy” in the party.
“It is a sad day. Certain leaders want to kill democracy in Gerakan.
“Why are they afraid of the party election? Why not have a fair fight and let the delegates choose the leader?
“Why work so hard to pressure my running mate to quit the race halfway? What do my opponents want to hide by ensuring I lose the fight for the president’s post?
“Is the party so beholden to warlords that democratic spirit is being killed? I am sad and I am disappointed,” he said in a statement.
Prabagaran (above, right) was the running mate for Liang (above, left) in a four-cornered fight for the president's post.
The other three pairs are incumbent president Dominic Lau and deputy president Oh Toh Keong; Gerakan vice-president Michael Gan and Penang Gerakan deputy chief Kiew Hen Chong; and Federal Territories party chief Lau Hoi Keong and Gerakan secretary-general Mak Kah Keong.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Liang said he would continue to contest despite his election partner’s departure.
“My mission and spirit are only made stronger.
“The more my opponents whack me, the stronger I become because the delegates can tell who is for the party and who is for themselves, who cannot afford to lose power and who will do good things for Gerakan if power is given to them,” he said in his statement.
Previously, Malaysiakini reported that negotiations ensuring a straight fight against Lau for the Gerakan presidency failed to materialise.
Lau was elected as the Gerakan president in 2018 and will mount his first title defence, an important victory as it comes with powers to decide on the candidate list for the upcoming state elections.
The Gerakan polls will be held on July 15. - Mkini

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