BUKIT MERTAJAM: Former Gerakan Penang state executive councillor Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon has been offered the position of an adviser on good governance and accountability for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) by its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Toh was offered the position during his visit to the party's operations centre at Taman Sama Gagah, Permatang Pauh. Anwar said Toh's views and experience in governance was very critical to the PKR.
Toh (2nd from left) shakes hands with Anwar. Photo by Regina William
"I know Toh is a very difficult person to convince as he is known for his nature of being moderate and highly principled, as evident from his numerous stands on various issues which was different from Gerakan or the Barisan Nasional (BN).
"I am deeply touched by his announcement in support of our struggles and principles," Anwar added.
Toh who thanked Anwar for the honour said he would consider the offer after reviewing the role he had to play. At a press conference, Toh reiterated his stand that he would not join the PKR or any other political party.
Toh's visit with former MCA Wanita leader Dr Tan Yee Kew, who has also quit her party, gave the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) election campaign a morale booster.
"My visit here is as a citizen of Malaysia and I have already expressed my support for Anwar's agenda which emphasises honesty, sincerity, openness, ending corruption and non-racist governance.
"Which is why this by-election is very important as if Anwar wins with a bigger majority, then the voice of the people will be louder in parliament against the injustices and unfairness.
"The people want that and I firmly believe that Anwar is a capable leader to carry out reforms in the institutions of state, judiciary, bureaucracy, police, to enhance the level of efficiency, good governance, transparency and openness, and this is the agenda that all of us will support.
"I am also in favour of PKR's new Malaysian economic agenda as the New Economic Policy (NEP), though with good intentions, has been ineffective due to abuse.
Tan meanwhile expressed hope that PKR would realise the aspirations for a just Malaysia for all races and gave her full support for Anwar to be the next prime minister.
Asked if his open support for the PKR was an act of betrayal to Gerakan and BN, Toh said: "I have mentioned earlier that I am no longer a Gerakan member and I don't feel that I am betraying Gerakan. If fact, what Anwar has put forward is what Gerakan has always wanted to do but now, I am continuing the same principles and ideas on a different platform and forum.
"For me, it is the principles that the party stands for which are important and I believe that this is an ideal struggle as it champions unity and not focusing on racial division, and this leadership I believe is one that is honest, sincere and open," Toh added.
Regina William
The Edge
22/08/08
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