National unity, encompassing party unity, was largely emphasized by delegates during the debate at the Gerakan national delegates conference here Saturday, Bernama reported. Melaka delegate Poh Chu Tong spoke at length on national unity and praised Barisan National (BN) leaders for their sensitivity, which he said was crucial in ensuring harmony among the various communities in the country. "The leaders must put on a united front so as to form the core of a strong government," he said. Kuala Lumpur representative Wong Kwong Hoong, of the Titiwangsa Division, drew reaction from the delegates when his debate speech took on a campaign tune in favor of party president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik. Dr Lim walked out the moment Wong moved on to his "campaign" speech, which prompted Deputy Speaker Yong Dai Ying, who was returned as the Gerakan Wanita deputy chief, to ask Wong to stop his campaigning. "I am not campaigning. I am just stating history. When our president made sacrifices for the party, no one made any hoo-hah about it. Now that there is competition, party members wasted no time in trying to pull him down," said Wong with emotion, which drew cheers and boos alike from the delegates. --more 1110 Local Time 0810 GMT
