An Indian NGO known as Perpaduan Pertubuhan Puratchi (Puratchi) today declared its support for opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin ahead of the next general election.
Its chairperson, K Umagandhan, claimed the organisation has more than 12,000 members nationwide and is prepared to become a political wing for any platform led by Hamzah, including a new party.
“We have 4,000 members in political institutions (other political parties) and between 10,000 and 12,000 in branch administration.
“We have decided to move towards mainstream politics. We will form a party together with Hamzah,” Umagandhan said at a press conference in Petaling Jaya today.
Earlier this afternoon, the organisation held a meeting with Hamzah.
According to Umagandhan, the group does not intend to form a new political party due to procedural constraints involving the Registrar of Societies.
“We will act as a political institution to champion the Indian community and support Hamzah’s leadership.
“Although Hamzah does not have a party after being expelled, we believe he has a future.
“We will support him based on that confidence. We will establish a wing if he forms a new party, or remain as a wing within the ‘Reset’ movement established by Hamzah recently,” he said.
Umagandhan said Puratchi was officially registered in 2019 and had previously been known as an NGO highlighting social and people’s rights issues.
He said the organisation has branches in 10 states and has organised more than 200 programmes since 2014, including protests over education, employment, and issues affecting the Indian community.
Where next for Hamzah?
Hamzah was expelled from Bersatu in February following disputes with the party leadership.
The Larut MP has since been linked to efforts to establish a new party, although it has yet to be officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, Umagandhan said the group would organise a Puratchi national political conference within the next four to six months to formalise the establishment of the political institution.
Malaysiakini has contacted Hamzah for comment. - Mkini
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