KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) has closed the door on possible cooperation with the Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) led by president P. Waytha Moorthy for the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).
Taking to Facebook today, Waytha, who is also a Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader, lamented how attempts to work with PH have failed, ostensibly due to a stance taken by coalition chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“(Anwar) insists that he does not want an Indian party in PH,” Waytha claimed in the post, adding that he intends to continue his “life’s journey” towards ensuring the future of the Indian community.
He also appeared to express his disagreement with Anwar’s position on the matter, pointing out that other political parties have no qualms with speaking for the rights of their respective communities.
“Every other community does not feel embarrassed about representing the rights of their communities. Take Umno, Bersatu, Pejuang, PAS, Amanah and DAP (for example); they are all clear in their directions.
“I, too, am clear of my agenda for the poorer segment of the Indian community.
“Why must I forsake the most marginalised Indian community in the name of multiracialism, and shortchange them further?” he questioned.
Waytha was the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for unity and social wellbeing in the short-lived PH government under then premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad from May 2018 to February 2020.
He also said that MAP has had “no choice” but to partner with Malay- and Chinese-majority parties as there is no parliamentary seat with the Indian community making up the demographic majority.
“Only by being in the government can MAP be effective in bringing (about) the changes required for the (Indian) community,” Waytha said.
It is understood that PH is still open for possible cooperation with other entities.
Yesterday, Anwar, who is also president of PH component party PKR, said that negotiations are still in progress regarding Muda’s application to join the coalition in facing GE15.
He dismissed media reports claiming that PH had rejected Muda’s bid.
PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil has stated that a final decision on the matter could be reached as early as tomorrow. – The Vibes, October 11, 2022
