Former Klang MP Charles Santiago’s criticism of PKR vice-president R Ramanan has been labelled a “cheap publicity stunt” by a party leader, who said the three-term parliamentarian could join the opposition if he wants.
A Kumaresan, a member of PKR‘s central leadership council, said Santiago’s remarks did not reflect the reality on the ground, namely the government’s efforts to assist the non-Malays.
Earlier today, Santiago, of DAP, accused Ramanan of ignoring the reality that non-Malays were not satisfied with the government’s performance.
He said Ramanan’s view that the government’s vision had forced Perikatan Nasional to expand its focus towards non-Malay voters was a misdiagnosis, which could lead to the wrong solution being produced as the next general election approaches.
He also said the reason PN was reaching out to non-Malay voters was that “PAS and PN can smell Putrajaya now”.
Kumaresan argued that the previous administrations were not as committed as the unity government when it came to looking after the wellbeing of the Indian community.
“Anwar himself monitors issues affecting the Indian community,” he said in a statement, referring to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, “while ministries led by Indians were mandated to implement development programmes”.
He cited the numerous initiatives under the entrepreneur development and cooperatives ministry, of which Ramanan is the deputy minister.
Kumaresan said that among the initiatives rolled out specifically for Indian entrepreneurs were Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia’s PENN (Prosperity Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women), and Bank Rakyat’s Indian Entrepreneur Financing-i (BRIEF-i).
“All these initiatives are concrete facts, not propaganda. A total of 11,444 Indian entrepreneurs have directly benefitted, with disbursed funds amounting to RM202.58 million – clear proof of the government’s commitment.”
He said DAP leaders like Santiago should refrain from making baseless accusations, pointing out that the party was also part of the government.
“And if Santiago truly believes PN and PAS have a chance at Putrajaya, then by all means leave DAP and join the opposition,” he said.
On Saturday, Ramanan said the Madani government’s emphasis on inclusivity, with no race or group marginalised, was why the likes of PAS were reaching out to the Indian community in particular.
PN has formed a loose opposition coalition involving parties like Urimai and the Malaysian Advancement Party to boost support in urban and semi-urban areas, especially among non-Malays.
