KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau reiterated his calls for party members to do away with the traditional seats mentality in the upcoming general, state or by-elections.

Addressing the members at the party's 56th anniversary celebration dinner tonight, Lau said the recent Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election served as a lesson to the party.

"We must do away with such mentality (of traditional seats). There are no more traditional seats and no seats that belong to Gerakan.

"If we want to represent Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the general election, state election or by-election, we must prove that we are indeed winnable candidates.

"We must prove that we can win during PN meetings (to select candidates for the coalition). We must show our capabilities and be able to get the mandate from voters.

"These are the criteria for us to be considered to be PN candidates," he said.

Lau added Gerakan candidates must also depend on themselves when contesting during the election.

"We should not think that component parties will render their full support to us. We must depend on ourselves."

Meanwhile, Lau when met after the event said the discussion on the Sungai Bakap by-election will only be done when the time comes.

"Right now, let us respect the family of the late Sungai Bakap assemblyman (Nor Zamri Latiff).

"The meeting (to discuss) on the by-election or its candidate will be announced when the time comes."

Lau also refused to comment on whether he would contest for the seat.

The Sungai Bakap state seat fell vacant following the death of Zamri, who passed away at Hospital Seberang Jaya yesterday (Friday) after being hospitalised due to stomach inflammation.

He was admitted to the hospital early this month and was partially sedated to allow him to rest.

He won the state seat during the Penang State Election held in August last year, with a majority of 1,563 votes.

In a straight fight against Nurhidayah Che Rus from Pakatan Harapan, Zamri garnered 15,433 votes, while Hidayah received 13,870 votes.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1055327/do-away-traditional-seats-mentalitygerakan-lau-tells-members