KUALA LUMPUR - TAN Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on Saturday won the Gerakan presidency uncontested after nominations for the party top national positions closed at the Gerakan headquarters at noon.

Dr Koh had been the party acting president since April 8 last year after the retirement of former president Dr Lim Keng Yaik from active politics after 26 years.

Speaking to reporters after the announcement that he had won uncontested, Dr Koh said he was indebted to party members for the victory.

'I promise to work together with all leaders and cooperate with all parties in Gerakan and outside to strenghten the Barisan Nasional and country,' he said.

Dr Koh also said that he considered the solid support given as a big personal responsibility and commitment.

Asked whether he had expected to win uncontested, Dr Koh said he was prepared to face any challenger in the contest.

'Until the day before, there was still a possibility of some people wanting to offer their service. Anyway, I was prepared to take on anyone. I consider this as responsibility,' he added.

Dr Koh also announced that party secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye would be appointed to a Gerakan central leadership post after the party's National Delegates Conference next weekend.

'The position would be announced later,' he said, adding the decision to appoint Chia was reached during the party central committee meeting last night.

The party's election on Oct 11 will be one of the most intense in party history, witnessing contest for all positions - deputy president, three vice-presidents and 18 central committee posts.

While the deputy president post will witness a straight fight, 10 candidates are vying for the three vice-president seats and a whopping 40 aspirants will fight it out for the 18 central committee positions. -- BERNAMA