After 26 Years As Gerakan President, Dr Lim Keng Yaik Finally Retires.

Sooner or later it had to happen. Even the senior-most BN component party leaders have to call it a day. Among the more hardy ones, along with Datuk Seri Samy Vellu is Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik. While the former has outrightly dismissed any misplaced ideas that he is about to withdraw anytime soon, Dr Lim took his time and is now overseeing a smooth transfer of power. Good for Dr Lim. History will not judge him too badly, which is more than can be said for the MIC 'president-for -life.'

Saying a good Gerakanist will not fade away, he promised to be around as long as his services and contributions are needed by the party. The Energy, Water and Communications Minister was confident the smooth leadership transition would ignite a new fervour in Gerakan to propel the party to greater heights.

Recounting the party's ideology and its non-racial approach, Dr Lim said he could foresee the next generation of Gerakan leaders continuing to play a significant role on two counts. "First, leaders trusted with important frontline positions in the government, must contribute meaningfully and positively to help the country realise objectives of Vision 2020. These leaders must be proactive to seek out the latest skills and knowledge to enable them to perform their duties to the best of their ability," he said in his last presidential address at the Extraordinary National Delegates' Conference.

Some 1,500 delegates are attending the one-day conference to pass a special motion accepting Dr Lim's retirement and another motion to endorse Gerakan deputy president and Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon as the acting president until the next party elections.

Dr Lim said the party must be vigilant in its efforts to promote a non-racial approach within the BN and national politics. Over the last decade, the Gerakan had successfully imbued a sense of non-racialism in numerous public policies and political discourses, he said.

"We must persevere to create a social, economic and political environment whereby all Malaysians can seek self-fulfillment and self-respect towards achieving Vision 2020 and a truly Bangsa Malaysia," said Dr Lim who would continue to serve as a minister until the next general election.

Dr Lim also praised his successor, his anointed deputy president, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who is also Penang Chief Minister, for "keeping the traditions of Gerakan leadership alive" and bringing development to Penang.

Reflecting on Gerakan's poor showing in Penang in the 1990 general election, Dr Lim said the party had since regained most of its lost ground. "All our 13 candidates were elected in the 2004 general election," he said. He said Gerakan's ability to provide a strong leadership in Penang stemmed from the firm commitment to a clean and efficient government.

"Once this commitment is tainted by complacency, other ill habits such as corruption, non-performance, insensitive to people's needs, egoism and selfishness will slip into the party culture. Aspiring leaders in Gerakan are often told they should join politics to serve the people and not themselves. This must serve as a constant reminder to all members," he said.

In his 30-minute speech, Dr Lim also paid tribute to Gerakan founding leaders for their contributions to the party's non-racial ideology. He credited them for transforming Penang, the party's power-base, from the backwaters into a silicon island within a short span of time.

Citing the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle who had said "one should keep the torch burning brightly before passing it down to the next person", the veteran politician reminded Gerakan members that the party's journey was far from over. "I hope I have accomplished this feat. The party is bigger than any individual. I believe I am leaving you with the party at its best position possible," he said, urging party members to give their full support to Dr Koh as acting president.

***** This writer wishes Dr Lim all the best and congratulates him in his wise decision to retire gracefully. I'm sure that members of Gerakan and Malaysians in general will remember and appreciate his contribution to society.

Another related Bernama report: Stir At Gerakan Meet As Keng Yaik Questions Timing Of Motion.
Image Source: 1) Dr Lim Keng Yaik
2) Dr Koh Tsu Koon