KUALA LUMPUR – DAP’s RSN Rayer slammed former Penang deputy chief minister II P. Ramasamy and his supporters for campaigning against the party in the upcoming by-election.
Rayer, who has been actively involved in the campaign, expressed his gratitude towards the supporters from various parties, including those from Barisan Nasional (BN) – particularly Umno and MIC.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MIC president Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran for their overwhelming support for our unity government candidate, Pang Sock Tao,” Rayer said on Facebook.
However, Rayer did not shy away from criticising Ramasamy and his allies for their stance against Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
He questioned the loyalty and principles of Ramasamy and his supporters, pointing out their past alliances and shifts in political allegiance.
“Politics is about loyalty and principles, not selfish personal interests,” Rayer said.
Rayer also lauded former comrades who remained loyal to DAP despite facing challenges – highlighting figures such as Charles Santiago, Kasthuri Patto, Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, and Datuk Seri Chong Eng, who have continued to support the party in various election campaigns.
“But I wonder whether Ramasamy and his sidekicks would be doing the same thing if they were given a chance to contest in the last state elections in Penang last year and if he was still Penang deputy chief minister II now,” Rayer said.
“Ramasamy was not too long ago (at least until August last year) a staunch supporter and ally of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and vocal defender of the unity government.
“Once (he was) dropped as a candidate, Ramasamy and his sidekicks changed their tunes and started attacking the unity government and the prime minister.”
Yesterday, Communication Minister and PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil suggested that Ramasamy “lacked affection” and should consider joining Perikatan Nasional.
Fahmi’s remarks came following Ramasamy’s call for voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu to reject PH, citing unfulfilled promises by the federal government.
Meanwhile, PKR Deputy Information Chief I Datuk R. Ramanan held Ramasamy accountable for the fate of the people in Kuala Kubu Baharu, particularly the Indian community, if support is not given to the ruling party’s candidate.
In a bid to bolster support among Indian voters, MIC’s Vigneswaran pledged the party’s machinery to assist the ruling coalition’s candidate campaign. – April 30, 2024