The decision made by Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan) President, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to step down received mixed reaction from BN party component members and non-governmental organisations.

Koh served as the Penang Chief Minister from 1990 to 2008 and his last cabinet position was a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

In the recent election, Gerakan only managed to retain one Simpang Renggam parliamentary seat and three state seats, in Johor and Sabah respectively.

Gerakan has seen its worst ever performance since 2008 where the party won two out of 12 parliamentary seats and four of the 31 state seats it contested.

Cheras Umno division chief, Datuk Seri Syed Ali Alhabshee said, Gerakan needs to build its strength and to give young candidates a chance to lead the party.

“Gerakan needs to identify their weaknesses and Koh Tsu Koon’s decision to step down is a wise decision which should have been done earlier,” said Syed Ali.

According to Syed Ali, Koh’s decision is seen as a sacrifice to show that he wants the best for Gerakan and to gain people’s trust.

“People want a dynamic leadership which could make the party members proud. As for Koh, he has held the position for a long time and this could be a reason why he couldn’t make improvements. So this is why we need party members who would fight for dynamics,” he added.

Meanwhile, Selangor Gerakan Youth Chief, Ben Liew described Koh as a good leader who contibutions was well appreciated.

However, Liew added that after the GE13, a lot of the party members feel that Gerakan did not achieve certain expectations.

“I think it is time for us to accept his decision and more importantly we should make transformation as well as to prepare for the next election,” he said.

Liew admits that Koh’s decision may have an impact on the party especially during the upcoming party election time.

“Gerakan’s Central Committee announced from June to October, there will be branch, division, state and national party election to elect new leadership yesterday,” he added.

For Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) Youth Section President, Tan Soon Lim, the decision to step down was a sign of respect to his party members.

However Tan added that Koh should not be held responsible alone for Gerakan’s failure in GE13, instead saying it was the responsibility of the whole party.

“I don’t think the resignation is necessary because Gerakan will still face the same result in GE13 even if Koh wasn’t the party leader.

“The only change needed is to find a new direction. They need to get closer to the people and be more bold in making changes,” he said, adding that it would be a good idea for the party to reform now.

“Reform here means that they could team up with other parties for example with MCA, PPP or other small parties in BN, who are facing the same problem as well,” Tan said.