GEORGE TOWN – A former PKR deputy secretary-general has urged the party to invite P. Ramasamy and his two aides into the party after the trio quit DAP on the grounds that it was allegedly managed “dictatorial-style”.
S. Raveentharan, a senior lawyer, said that Ramasamy, former Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees and long-serving Seberang Prai councillor David Marshel have excellent records in serving the electorate and Penang as a whole.
Hence, it would be a loss if they are left out in the cold just because they had a falling-out with the DAP leadership over the issue of candidacy selection, said Raveentharan.
He said that he understands PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim plans to meet Ramasamy, who was a deputy chief minister for Penang, soon over the latter’s decision to resign from DAP.
“Perhaps Anwar could be magnanimous and persuade Ramasamy to join PKR instead where he can continue his struggle to highlight the plight of poor Indians.”
Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow, who is also caretaker chief minister, said that he is disappointed with Ramasamy’s decision.
Chow has now asked the former state DAP deputy chairman to reconsider his decision.
He also urged voters not to be distracted by the issue and focus on what is the best representation for them, and in the case of Penang, it is better to support the ruling coalition Pakatan Harapan, which has many exciting plans for the future unlike their opponents.
Penang MIC chief Datuk J. Dhinagaran said that the Indian community is grateful for the service rendered by Ramasamy over the past 15 years.
“DAP had given trust to him since 2008, hence it would be wise if the former DCM II remained faithful to the party and accepted the decision made by the top leadership.”
After serving more than 15 years, Ramasamy should be supportive of the party when a new face is nominated to represent the party, said Dhinagaran in a statement.
“This is part of a political party’s rejuvenation.”
Ramasamy, 74, should follow in the footsteps of DAP leaders like Chong Eng, Phee Boon Poh, Lim Hock Seng and Charles Santiago – who were left disappointed because they were not renominated but chose to continue to stay loyal to the cause of serving the people, he said.
Penang’s second deputy chief minister position is reserved for the Indian representative from DAP.
“Indian voters should lend their utmost support to ensure the candidates in PH win this Saturday. We have to accept Ramasamy’s decision but hope he has a change of heart,” Dhinagaran said. – The Vibes, August 10, 2023
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