GEORGE TOWN – The most elderly candidate representing Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM), which is among the oldest parties to participate in the 15th general election (GE15), is upbeat about the political outfit’s momentum in drawing young blood into its fold.
Retired teacher and social activist Ravinder Singh, 80, is looking forward to helping the party, which was founded in 1955, ride on the public awareness generated by its campaign, towards undergoing rejuvenation.
“Older people know about us and our background,” he said in an interview. “Now we have to reintroduce our party to the younger generation.”
He said many youth have been receptive to PRM’s focus and ideas and its aspirations for the future.
“We are independent and not collaborating with any other parties,” he said, stressing that the party’s members and supporters are driven by a spirit of desiring to do good things for the country.
Ravinder is contesting the Bayan Baru parliamentary seat in GE15.
All the PRM candidates in the current polls are footing their own bills, including for payments like nomination fees, campaign banners, and logistical expenditures, he stressed.
Ravinder, who has four grandchildren, served with the Consumers’ Association of Penang for the last two decades, providing assistance and guidance to people with various problems.
Ravinder is particularly concerned about issues such as road safety and housing, especially for low-income people.
He also helped ordinary people facing various injustices such as government departments giving folks the runaround, insurance firms refusing to honour legitimate claims, and hospitals involved in medical negligence and excessive billing.
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Party will not be baited by others
Meanwhile, PRM secretary-general Koh Swe Yong stressed on the importance of shunning unprincipled politics.
He said the party will always keep the people’s interest and well-being above any bait of being part of the government after the election.
In a statement today, he assured that the party will not compromise on key policies and principles.
“Any partnership not based on shared principles and a common basic programme will be dishonest and a betrayal of the voters,” said Koh, who is contesting the Jelutong federal seat in the election.
“We will use our position in Parliament to voice the aspirations of the people, and question all bad and unfair policies and laws.”
Koh stressed that PRM’s stand on the selection of a prime minister is that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional role and established practice must be adhered to.
“The party with the most MPs must have the first chance to form the government, and if this party fails to get the necessary support, then any MP, from any party or independent, who can command a majority support should be the prime minister,” he said. – The Vibes, November 18, 2022
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