Uthayakumar’s lieutenant joins PKR

Hindraf leader S Jayathas has joined PKR, saying the political party can provide a better platform to champion the cause of the Indians.

PETALING JAYA: S Jayathas, regarded as Hindraf leader P Uthayakumar’s most trusted lietenant, has now joined PKR.

During a press conference at the PKR headquarters today, Jayathas submitted his membership application form to party vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Also present were vice-president N Surendran, Subang MP R Sivarasah and other party officials.

Jayathas said he decided to work with PKR because he needed a stronger platform to champion the cause of the Indian community.

However, he refused to answer questions on whether he considered Hindraf no longer relevant.

“For the time being, PKR is the better party to fight towards a better future of the Indians,” he said.

He added that PKR had shown genuine concern for the Indian community and was committed to address their grouses.

Jayathas was one of the pioneer members of PKR but left the party due to his activeness in the Hindraf movement.

The Malacca-born businessman was defeated by BN candidate in the Merlimau state assembly seat in the 2004 state election where he contested under a PKR banner.

Jayathas’ departure from Hindraf would render a blow to the movement, which over the years had lost its influence among the Indian community.

In an immediate reaction, Hindraf Youth chief S Thiagarajan, Jayathas had joined PKR because he was suffering from financial problems.

“We had a meeting last Friday where Jayathas told us that he wanted to join PKR because he received a ‘better offer’,” he said, without elaborating.

However, Thiagarajan said Hindraf was grateful to Jayathas’ contribution to the movement.

Responding to Thiagarajan’s claims, Jayathas said he would have joined Barisan Nasional if monetary reward was his motivation.