PETALING JAYA: Despite denials from the party, DAP insiders insist that Penang DAP deputy chairman P Ramasamy will be dropped as a candidate in the coming state elections.
His supporters fear that Ramasamy will pay the ultimate price for being outspoken.
A local leader, who has been with the party for over 30 years said there appeared to be no serious breach of party discipline by Ramasamy so far, besides his speaking his mind even if it went against the government’s stand.
“Ramasamy posts statements nearly every day on social media on contemporary issues. He takes the bull by its horns and defends the Indian community in particular when there is any unfair statement. Sometimes, this has resulted in him being branded a racist by the opposition,” the local leader said.
“Also, he raises certain issues that the national leadership is avoiding because of the party’s ties in the unity government. While some say he should be careful, others say the party must have people who speak up without fear or favour,” said the member who requested anonymity.
He said some of them have branded him a non-team player just because his academic past makes him comment on issues independently. Ramasamy was formerly a lecturer in political science before making his electoral debut in 2008.
Another leader compared his plight to that of three-term MP Charles Santiago who preferred to keep a low profile instead of rubbing shoulders with party bigwigs and was dropped from the 2022 general election.
Ramasamy’s work on Tamil schools and with the downtrodden sections of the community has impressed another party member.
He said the argument that three terms are enough does not hold water as the party has a history of allowing MPs and assemblymen to stand for four or five terms or even more.
Ramasamy has been assemblyman for Perai since 2008 and has also been deputy chief minister since Pakatan Harapan took power in Penang that year.
A possible reason for the move against Ramasamy may lie in a clash between Ramasamy and former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto before the general election last November.
“Certain staunch supporters of Ramasamy gave Kasthuri a difficult time in the Batu Kawan constituency which she took over from him in 2013. In a surprise turn of events, she refused to defend her seat after two terms.
“This is apparently after the leadership failed to act despite her official complaint of harassment against certain leaders,” the party source said.
The source said there appears to be a pattern in DAP where members are dropped as candidates at elections probably because they cannot fit into the culture of being yes men.
“Among them are Ramasamy, Charles Santiago, Kua Kia Soong and Ong Kian Meng. It’s the leaders who have been in the party for decades who seem to be appreciated and rewarded for their sacrifices over the decades,” he said.
Ramasamy has openly stated that he wants to stay on for another term but would leave it to the party leadership.
Last Sunday, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook dismissed a news report that Ramasamy would be dropped as a candidate. - FMT
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