KUALA LUMPUR – The exodus of Indian leaders in DAP continues as former two-term Sabai assemblyman D. Kamache is also leaving the party.
She closely follows the footsteps of veteran party member P. Ramasamy, who quit the party yesterday, citing various issues.
Kamache’s decision has raised questions about the party’s stance on Indian representation and its overall trajectory.
Kamache, who confirmed her resignation yesterday, said it was a hard decision to make but had to be done.
She said it was a result of her belief that DAP no longer embraced the values that initially drew her to the party.
She also expressed her disappointment that Indian leaders lacked a substantial voice within the party’s current framework.
The departure of Ramasamy and Kamache from DAP has ignited discussions about Indian representation within the party.
In response to this development, former DAP members and local councillors from Selangor, B. Gunalan and Santokh Singh, have come forward to voice their opinions, shedding light on the motivations behind their own decisions and the broader concerns of the Indian community.
Gunalan, currently a candidate for Perikatan Nasional contesting the Pandamaran seat in Selangor, lauded Ramasamy’s contributions to championing various causes affecting the Indian community, earning both respect and recognition.
“Ramasamy has been a stalwart and respected senior leader in DAP. He has tirelessly championed various causes affecting the Indian community, earning not only a distinguished name for himself but also the heartfelt respect of the masses,” he emphasised.
Similarly, Kamache has also done much for the people while serving as the Sabai assemblyman.
Gunalan noted that the news of their departure did not come as a shock, given the ongoing discussions about dissatisfaction with the party’s direction on multiple issues.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of the situation, Gunalan criticised DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s response, particularly his questioning of Ramasamy’s loyalty and sincerity.
He expressed concern about the way DAP treats senior leaders, especially those with differing opinions, and urged DAP supporters, particularly Indians, to reflect on the treatment of these leaders and the value of their contributions to the party and the community.
In a similar vein, Santokh, another former DAP member and councillor, shared his perspective.
He labelled Ramasamy’s resignation as a “sad day for all Indians in DAP”, highlighting the dwindling Indian representation within the party.
Drawing parallels with his own decision to leave the party, Santokh questioned the rationale behind denying Ramasamy a seat, especially when some DAP members are contesting both parliamentary and state seats.
“What makes them so exceptional? The trend is clear; it’s mostly the Indian leaders who are opting to leave,” he asserted.
Santokh similarly expressed his dismay at the way the party hierarchy treated Ramasamy’s departure, specifically pointing out Loke’s remarks.
“Instead of asking him to reconsider or thanking him for his services, he questioned Ramasamy’s allegiance and downplayed his departure’s potential impact on the upcoming elections.”
As concerns rise, it remains to be seen how these issues surrounding representation and leadership dynamics might impact the party’s performance and reputation in Penang and beyond. – The Vibes, August 11, 2023
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