PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: Gerakan Secretary-General Chia Kwang Chye said Gerakan was not sad and disappointed over the loss of cabinet minister post because the party would put all effort on the party development and restructuring.

He said many Gerakan leaders lost their seats in this general election and it was the time to strengthen the organization and grass root unity. They had to understand people's expectations and requirements, and continue to serve the people.

"We respect the decision made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Leaders who lost their seats were not appointed as senators in order to become ministers, therefore leaders should not feel sad as Gerakan lost the minister post," he told Sin Chew Daily when contacted here Wednesday (19 Mar).

Chia added Gerakan did not fight for minister posts in the party political principle and now there were two leaders appointed as deputy ministers.

He said Tan Lian Hoe and Senator A. Kohilan were appointed as Deputy Information Minister and Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister respectively, Gerakan hoped that people would give opportunities for them to perform their tasks.

On the other hand, Gerakan adviser Lim Keng Yaik said as he had withdrawn from the political arena, he did not want to comment on above issues. (Sin Chew Daily)