‘Opportunist sans credibility, Ramasamy is’

Malaysian Indian People’s Party lashed out at Urimai chairman P Ramasamy by declaring him as an “opportunist” with no “credibility”.

“Why did he leave DAP? He didn’t leave DAP because of the community; he left because he didn’t get a seat in the previous state election. He is an opportunist,” said MIPP deputy president S Subramaniam, FMT reported.

This public condemnation comes in the wake of the criticism from Selangor Urimai chairman K Gunasekaran who accused Perikatan Nasional of failing to draw “real Indian leaders” with grassroots support.

MIPP is a component party of PN.

Gunasekaran had further said that this was proven by the lack of Indian participation in the recent Turun Anwar rally.

Subramaniam denied the allegations.

“Nationwide, we have built the support of 20% of Indians (for PN). At every by-election, we get about 30-35% of the Indian vote, so on average nationwide, we have about 20%.

“So what is he talking about when he says MIPP has no credibility?” he said.

Unlike Urimai, MIPP operated as a registered political party within PN and was focused on building a formidable and constructive Indian political force, he pointed out.

Subramaniam said that MIPP’s ‘Reset’ campaign was actively engaging the Indian community nationwide to address systemic issues and secure opportunities lost due to decades of ineffective leadership.

He also reiterated the party’s stand to work with anyone.

“We can work with anybody. But are you even an official party? You can’t even secure your party’s registration. So why are you talking about credibility?

“Urimai is just a movement. It’s not even an NGO. Ask them to register first. If they cannot become a party, register as an NGO first. Then we can work together,” he said.

After its registration was dismissed by the Registrar of Societies, the party obtained leave to initiate judicial review on Feb 27.