ALOR SETAR: Gerakan has consistently played its role of providing checks and balances to the DAP-led Penang state government, says party president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau.
The party also helped PAS win seven seats in the 2023 state election, he noted in response to comments by an ulama council member questioning his ability to serve as Penang Perikatan Nasional chairman.
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"Gerakan still plays its role even though we do not hold any state seats," he told reporters on the sidelines of the 71st PAS Muktamar here on Monday (Sept 15).
He said the party has been voicing out issues concerning the people, including pressing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to respond.
Lau urged Perikatan components to strengthen cooperation as a team rather than sabotage one another.
On Saturday (Sept 13), Penang PAS ulama council member Mohd Shafirul Rozani had expressed dissatisfaction with Lau's leadership in Penang.
In his speech at the assembly, he urged the Perikatan leadership to consider appointing a new state coalition chairman who can perform better.
He likened Penang Perikatan to a Ferrari or Lamborghini that cannot be driven because the steering wheel is in someone else's hands.
ALSO READ: Penang PAS ulama council member urges Perikatan to appoint new state chairman
"That is the situation now. Perikatan (in Penang) must be seen as working and taking charge.
"But if the chairman doesn't know how to drive, the car won't move even if it is brand new. It's better for us to change the chairman," he said.
Relations between PAS and Gerakan soured after Lau was named to contest the Malay-majority Bayan Lepas state seat in 2023.
Gerakan lost all 19 seats it contested during the polls.
