KUALA LUMPUR – DAP veteran P. Ramasamy has called it quits with DAP, resigning just weeks after being dropped as a candidate for the Penang state election.
The Perai incumbent said in a press conference in Penang that he tendered his resignation this morning.
He added that the letter was submitted to party secretary-general Anthony Loke and Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
He admitted that it was a difficult decision, seeing that he joined DAP 18 years ago, nevertheless, he had discussed this with family and friends prior to this.
“The party has the right to drop any candidate. Instead of the ‘rejuvenation’ reason that was given, what has happened is a political purge.
“The dropping of some leaders is not a rejuvenation, but a political purge to remove those perceived to be aligned with caretaker chief minister Chow Kon Yeow. While Chow is kept as a chief minister candidate, he is not being supported by the current election candidates in Penang.”
Ramasamy, 74, also alleged that Chow may not be chief minister despite the promises made by the leadership.
“The person known as the ‘emperor’ is behind the current leadership crisis,” added the former deputy chief minister.
However, he reiterated his support for the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chow.
Among those at the press conference are independent Perai candidate and former DAP member David Marshel, Bagan Dalam incumbent M. Satees, former Seberang Perai councillor K Jason Raj, former Sabai assemblywoman Kamache Doray Rajoo and party member K. Krishnasamy. Kamache, Jason and Krishnasamy also announced their exit from the party.
Previously, Ramasamy told Scoop that the reasons behind DAP’s move to drop him from the candidate list was a “convenient” decision and did not discount the possibility that there were other motives involved.
He said he was not at all “disappointed” at the party’s latest call, but wished to have known the reasons other than the “platitudes” that were given.
Ramasamy has served the Perai state constituency since 2008.
Other veterans who were dropped include Wanita DAP head Chong Eng, Phee Boon Poh Yeoh Soon Hin, and Soon Lip Chee. – August 10, 2023