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BN's Teng 'a spiritual leader', must continue to lead party
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Penang Gerakan members are hoping that their chief Teng Chang Yeow would continue to helm the party despite it being wiped out with zero seats in the just concluded 14th general election.

The party's state vice-chairperson Oh Tong Keong said they have studied the results of the May 9 GE14 and came to the conclusion that their loss was due the "People's tsunami".

"It is not because of Teng's weak leadership, as perceived, and therefore this burden and responsibility should be held by all of us, not just by him," Oh said at a press conference today.

While declaring the BN's defeat in GE14 on the late hours of last Wednesday, Teng vowed to give up politics for good and focus on his personal life.

Teng, who is the state BN chief, led his coalition to similar defeats in the 2008 and 2013 elections.

In this election, Pakatan Harapan swept the state with 37 out of the 40 seats, and 11 out of the 13 parliamentary seats.

Gerakan, MCA and MIC had zero state seats, while Umno retained two and PAS one. At the Parliament level, Umno only managed to keep two seats.

Although Teng was given wide coverage by the press for raising the state's environmental issues, he was trounced in the contest for Tanjung Bungah by DAP's Zairil Khir Johari.

Asked about Oh's appeal, Teng told Malaysiakini: "No more comment from me, since I have quit politics on May 9. Thank you!"

Told that Penang needs a good opposition, Teng replied "Thanks, but no more for me!"

Oh (photo) said Teng has wide experience and knowledge of politics and government, which was why he should continue to lead Gerakan in Penang.

"He also understands the country's affairs and is a capable and competent leader," Oh, who contested the Pantai Jerejak seat, said.

He reminded Teng that Gerakan was formed in Penang and though the party lost massively in this election, the members needed to defend and protect this "family".

"We were formed in 1968 and will continue to fight for the people's welfare, whether in politics, economy, education or culture, and regardless of race. That is the basis of our struggle," he added.

To continue the party's struggle, Oh said, it needed a talented, capable leader who has the calibre to lead them, especially those from the Youth wing.

He said Penang Gerakan has played a check-and-balance role in the state and Teng is deemed a "spiritual leader" for the party in the state.

"So we hope Teng will continue to lead us to face the future and to continue the party's struggle," he added.

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