PENANG: Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has taken full responsibility for the party’s poor showing in the general election and offered to step down.
“We did not expect such a big swing of votes in favour of the Opposition. The party central committee will conduct a post mortem and have a meeting to determine my future as well as the party’s,” said the outgoing chief minister.
Dr Koh said he visited Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at Seri Mutiara on Sunday to officially inform him of the general election results.
“Barisan Nasional failed to win a majority so under Article 7(2) of the state constitution, the governor must elect the person with majority support in the state assembly to form the government.
“I want to urge the people to give their full support to the leaders they have chosen. Give your new leaders a chance to perform. This is also what I told the civil servants.
“We may have different opinions on policies but I must accept the views of the people,” he said.
On Gerakan playing an effective opposition role in the DAP-led government, Dr Koh replied: “I am not sure how that is possible because we don’t even have one representative in the state assembly.”
He added that his position as Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chairman would be decided by the new government.
“I am now only the caretaker chief minister,” he said Sunday after receiving a courtesy call from incoming chief minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
On whether his development plans and policies for the state would continue, he said it would depend on the new government.
Addressing the media, Lim thanked Dr Koh for “welcoming” the party into his office.
“I appreciate and thank him for his willingness to accept the people’s decision and we welcome his views. The new administration is one for all Penangites, not just one particular party,” he said.
Lim, together with several DAP officials, later paid a courtesy call to the governor.
The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Seri Mutiara on Tuesday at 5pm.
“We wanted to hold it on Monday but Dr Koh was unable to attend,” Lim explained.
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