Former chairman of the People's National Movement (PNM) Franklin Khan is expressing full support for new Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, saying he (Rowley) "is a good leader." Khan said he would be contesting the post of party chairman in the March 2011 executive election of the party. He resigned as PNM chairman in 2005 to answer corruption charges involving former PNM councillor Dhansam Dansook. He was subsequently cleared of all charges. He said the 54-year-old PNM was "perceived to be weak and tired and I need to bring some creativity, youth and dynamism to it."
He said while the 12 elected MPs have their work to do in Parliament the major thrust to rebuild the party must take place from Balisier House (party headquarters). Khan said he hoped to bring the spark and other factors necessary for the party to regain its status as the leading political party in T&T if re-elected to the post of chairman. Khan, who served as a minister of Works and Transport in a former Patrick Manning regime, said he was confident he could bring what was required to rebuild the party.
He said all he needed was a good executive to ensure that took place. He said he was prepared to rebuild the party, along with Rowley. All posts, except that of political leader, will be contested. The posts to be contested included party chairman, vice chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, field officer, public relations officer, elections office, youth officers, male and female, acting general secretary, Ashton Ford said yesterday.
The post of political leader was filled in a special convention earlier this year. Rowley will serve for five years.