PENANG, 9 Sept 2008: Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth chief, Huan Cheng Guan today announced that he was resigning from his post with immediate effect.
In a text message sent to the media from Taiwan, Huan, who is also the State Gerakan Youth chief, said he had conveyed his decision to BN Youth chief, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
"Under the present circumstances and situation, it is not appropriate for me to hold on to the post. I have informed this to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin," he said.
At the moment, Huan, who is also BN Backbenchers Club (BBC) executive secretary, is in Taiwan accompanying 41 other MPs on a week-long study trip.
Last night, Gerakan Acting President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had announced that Penang Gerakan was severing all ties with Penang Umno following personal attacks on him by Bukit Bendera Umno chief, Datuk Ahmad Ismail.
Meanwhile, Penang MCA Youth chief Ng Hiap Boon, when contacted by Bernama, said he did not expect Huan to make such a drastic move.
He said Huan had also not discussed his intention with other BN members before taking the decision.
"By right, he should have called a meeting of the Penang BN Youth and discuss it with us first before stepping down," he said, adding that he, however, respected the decision by Huan as it was in line with Gerakan’s action to sever ties with the State Umno.
Penang Umno Youth chief Datuk Abdul Salim Bari said he regretted the decision by Huan and deemed it to be "too hasty".
"At the time our unity is being tested, he easily let’s go of the position without first discussing it with his counterparts from the component parties," he said.
State MIC Youth chief M Suresh said Penang BN Youth should call an emergency meeting on the matter to quickly defuse any crisis that may result, adding that MIC was willing to play the role of a mediator if asked. – Bernama
