'Quit being emotional and just answer my questions'

First of all, I would like to thank DAP's Lim Kit Siang and Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, P Ramasamy, for taking some time off from their busy schedules to personally reply to my statement, which was issued on Sept 26, 2017.

Lim for choosing to respond to me, itself, proved that what I said had touched the nerves of the top echelon of DAP, until he decided to personally respond to me. I am truly honoured, YB.

YB Lim, in regards to your advice for me to seek answers from my father on the deeds of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, I need not do that, as one only has to Google all your valuable statements and opinions on Mahathir over the last 30 years. Attached below is one example:-

In 2013, on your own blog, you had said:

"Dr Mahathir Mohamad is Malaysia’s single, greatest “enemy” bent on destroying the Bangsa Malaysia and Vision 2020 nation-building pillars he created during his 22 years in office". 

In fact, in the same blog post, you had called Mahathir a liar and a racist.

So I need not ask my father about Mahathir because you have beautifully described that Mahathir is a liar, racist and the greatest enemy of Malaysia.

Now, as for Ramasamy, as usual, the DCM II of Penang purposely avoided answering my questions and failed to address the issues that I had raised. Instead, as usual, he goes on rumbling about how MIC is being "subservient" to Umno in BN. 

Dear Ramasamy, the relationship between Umno, MIC, MCA and other members of the BN is not a marriage of convenience like Pakatan Harapan. I am not a fence sitter in politics, as I believe in my leader Najib Abdul Razak. Why are you upset over that?

In fact, your "supreme leader" Lim (Kit Siang) had for over two decades, labelled Mahathir as a corrupt, a liar, racist and the greatest enemy of Malaysia. Yet today, Harapan has seen it suit to make him the "top dog" in the coalition. 

This goes to show how unprincipled you guys (Harapan) are, where you will do anything just to win the next general election. Yet, you call MIC "subservient". 

'What's Harapan's alternative to MIB?'

Back to the issue at hand, will Lim and Ramasamy address the important questions that I have raised, regarding the well-being of the Indian community in the country? Also, what is Harapan's blueprint to address issues plaguing the community?

In my earlier statement, I had asked what the opposition had so far, to counter the Malaysian Indian Blueprint (MIB) unveiled by BN for the community. The question was clear and straightforward. The answer, is nothing. 

In my statement, I had also stated facts and figures to back my claims that Najib has provided so much for the Indian community after being the prime minister for only eight years. The numbers are there for all to see. 

Unfortunately, both Lim and Ramasamy cannot provide any numbers and facts to prove what Harapan has done for the community - not even in Penang and Selangor. 

Not only that, both Lim and Ramasamy became emotional and attacked me personally when in fact, what I wanted from them was a factual answer to a very straightforward question. There is no point attacking me personally as it would not answer the issue I have raised. I will never take the same route that both Lim and Ramasamy had taken, in attacking me.

Finally, I hope Lim and Ramasamy will answer the questions that I have raised and not try to seek Mahathir's help, as always, to reply the issues at hand.

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S VELL PAARI is the treasurer-general of MIC.- Mkini