Gerakan resignations expose leadership weaknesses, discontent with PAS

The resignations of two Gerakan leaders in Penang have shed light on discontent within the party regarding its alliance with PAS and concerns about its leadership, according to analysts. Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid, a professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia, reported that some members were unhappy with Gerakan's perceived shift towards the right.

Zhe Wei of the International Islamic University Malaysia echoed this sentiment, stating that some members were uncomfortable with Gerakan's subservience to PAS, which leads Perikatan Nasional. However, some former Gerakan members have since joined other parties associated with PAS. Tan Zhen Zune, the Penang Gerakan Youth chief, resigned from his youth wing position and deputy secretary-general role, citing dissatisfaction with the leadership and decisions he claimed compromised the party's principles.

Former Gerakan national treasurer H’ng Chee Wey also resigned after 31 years with the party, stating that while political differences are normal in a democracy, there's no need to become sworn enemies or attack one another. Analysts suggest that these resignations do not necessarily indicate a wider revolt against Gerakan's membership in PN.

Instead, they could prompt internal discussions about the party's future as a multiracial party, with some members hoping the resignations will trigger further deliberations on the party's ideological direction.