Despite Waytha's Najib MOU fiasco, Harapan warms up to talks

Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia (PHM) chief P Waythamoorthy's meeting with Pakatan Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad has received positive reception from several coalition leaders.

This is despite Waythamoorthy's infamous pact with Prime Minister Najib Razak going into the 13th general election.

According to Free Malaysia Today, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said the PHM chief had at the time acted in the interest of the Indian community, despite the memorandum of understanding with BN having failed.

"He (Waythamoorthy) should be valued for what he can bring to the coming general election," Zaid told FMT in a report today.

"We have to realise, every party needs to work together to take down the BN government. (PHM) has taken a first step," he was reported as saying.

The party emerged from the Hindraf movement of 2007 that organised the largest Indian protest in history that year, with tens of thousands hitting the streets to protest over the string of Hindu temple demolitions and the socio-economic situation of the community.

The historic rally is said to have led a major shift in Indian votes away from BN, and is often cited as one of the factors leading to the opposition's 'tsunami' in the 2008 general election.

'Every seat counts'

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said although Hindraf may not have the same draw as it had in 2007, every seat counts.

"I admit, Hindraf can attract the Indian lower classes. They can draw a pretty large pool of Indian voters," he was reported as saying.

"In a political environment that emphasizes number of seats in Parliament, however much support one can get, it is valuable to us (Harapan)," he said.

However, Saifuddin reminded that while Harapan welcomes all parties whether political, NGOs or individuals, to work together, they cannot sit on the fence.

"They must be consistent, and have full commitment," he said.

DAP parliamentary leader meanwhile told FMT, "We will be open minded to this matter."

Yesterday, FMT reported the Mahathir-Waythamoorthy meet taking place at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, Kuala Lumpur.

“We notice the Indian community is not well represented in Harapan. There is no Indian party. There are multi racial parties where Indians are members, but the representation is not adequate.

“I think we appreciate the fact that Hindraf has got the support of the ordinary Indians, not the lawyers or the doctors, but the ordinary estate people.

“So we are working to get Hindraf, if not as a member of Harapan, at least as part of the opposition," Mahathir was quoted as saying. - Mkini