KLANG -- A prominent businessman and close associate of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has clarified his position on the recent speculations surrounding the formation of a new political party.
At a press conference held earlier today, “Oms” P. Thiagarajan emphasised that he still stands by his longstanding belief in the effectiveness of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) over traditional political parties.
"I have always been an NGO man and felt that nothing much can be achieved by starting yet another party," he said.
"What we said the other day was just a sharing of the responses given by those who attended the gathering here last week."
Shedding light on his discussion with Anwar following various claims by many quarters and also a statement by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) denying that Anwar had endorsed any such move for a new party, Thiagarajan said: "I have communicated with Anwar and explained to him what transpired during the gathering. Anwar understood my explanation."
Thiagarajan's comments came in response to a gathering of some 600 people in Klang over the weekend, which included former Indian leaders from various political parties and Indian NGOs.
During the event, participants were presented with four options, and the most popular choice, selected by over 300 attendees, was the establishment of a new political entity.
Other options included strengthening current parties within Pakatan Harapan and also Barisan Nasional, or to work using a strong NGO platform.
Thiagarajan said he was an invited guest at the gathering and that it was organised by Persatuan India Malaysia Bersepadu.
“There were six speakers and I happened to be one of the speakers. Four of us, including me, rejected the idea of a new party," he said.
During today’s press conference, he went on to stress his belief in the effectiveness of NGOs, highlighting the change they brought about in 2007, which subsequently led to new state governments under different parties emerging in 2008.
“This led to Indians having a deputy chief minister (in Penang) and also a state assembly speaker (in Perak).”
Thiagarajan said that he had set up an NGO - Pertubuhan Aman Transformasi Malaysia (ARIMA) - which has numerous members who have either left Indian-based political parties or have been dismissed from them.
He also expressed strong support for the current unity government led by Anwar, remarking: "Anwar as the prime minister is a boon for Indians. With Anwar there, why do we need another party?
"If anyone thinks about forming another party, he must be mad!” he said.
In another revelation, Thiagarajan also mentioned a discussion with Anwar that took place two years ago on the same subject.
According to him, Anwar had then advised him to continue his efforts through NGOs.
"I am already 70 years old now, and I have no political ambitions," Thiagarajan stated, adding that while he can't stop others from forming parties, he personally has no interest in doing so.
During the press conference, he also addressed claims of around 800 MIC branches that have been closed and called on the party to reconsider its decision on this move.
The PMO statement had also decried those who "misused" the prime minister's name without proper authorisation and advised the public not to be misled by unofficial statements.
Reacting to the PMO's announcement, Thiagarajan expressed that he viewed it as a general statement, not directly targeting any particular individual or group.
While there are plans to hold similar gatherings in the future, with the next one scheduled for Melaka, he urged those in existing political entities to stay and work on strengthening them. -- The Vibes, October 12, 2023
