KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan celebrated its 53rd anniversary today with a pledge to remain relevant, by focusing on regaining power in Penang and helping Perikatan Nasional (PN) to win the 15th general election (GE15).
Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai said the party was still relevant and had been playing an active role in championing the welfare of the rakyat.
"Our duty now is to ensure that Gerakan remains relevant for the next 53 years and beyond," he said in his address at the party's 53rd anniversary celebration at Menara PGRM here.
Lau said Gerakan's focus now was to help PN win a comfortable majority in GE15 and to recapture Penang, which used to be its power base.
"Penang will be Gerakan's focus in GE15. Penang was where Gerakan started; we achieved success in Penang, we fell in Penang and we are confident that Gerakan will rise again in Penang," he added.
In the 14th general election in May 2018, Gerakan contested 22 parliamentary and 31 state seats under the Barisan Nasional (BN) ticket but lost all.
On June 23, 2018, Gerakan quit BN, which was also toppled in GE14.
On Feb 11 this year, Gerakan joined the ruling PN as its fifth component party.
Gerakan was founded in March 1968 by, among others, Prof Syed Hussein Alatas and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, who became its first president.
Similar celebrations were held at the party's state offices throughout the country, with strict adherence to the standard operating procedure for COVID-19 prevention.
In GEORGE TOWN, Penang Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong said the party would be conducting smaller-scale campaigns and harnessing the power of social media as part of the new norm for GE15.
"Large, physical campaigns such as talk sessions and door-to-door visits would be replaced with a reduced-scale (approach), with a shift of focus to online by utilising social media," he said in a press conference after the celebration at the Penang branch office at Jalan Macalister.
He said despite the change in the party's election campaign style, Gerakan would continue to listen to the people's needs and concerns and provide them the necessary help and support.
In IPOH, Perak Gerakan chairman Datuk See Tean Seng said the party would continue to disseminate the message behind its struggle for the people.
"We hold fast to our basic ideological struggle, that is to fight for democracy, the people, justice, the country's stability, and we welcome views and feedback from the rakyat to help us remain relevant in the political arena," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Mar 24 2021
Lau said Gerakan's focus now was to help PN win a comfortable majority in GE15 and to recapture Penang, which used to be its power base. Filepic/BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.