PSM: Nothing embarrassing about losing deposit, even Dr M lost his

PSM has produced a series of videos for social media and the messaging platform Whatsapp, where it addresses several questions including its candidates losing their deposits in elections.

Its deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan (above), who will be contesting the Kajang seat in Selangor, said there is nothing embarrassing about this.

“Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was the prime minister twice, lost his deposit,” he said.

He pointed out that Mahathir was responsible for developing the island of Langkawi in his home state of Kedah but was still defeated in the last general election.

“Under the first-past-the-post system, only the big parties can win. The third-party will usually lose its deposit.

“The people are afraid of voting for new parties. They are usually forced to vote between two big parties, the lesser of the two evils,” he added.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad

However, Arutchelvan said the time has come for the people to place their trust in parties which are committed.

“Because parties like PSM will better champion your issues,” he said.

Addressing another frequently asked question, which was PSM’s continued participation in elections despite suffering losses, he resorted to a football analogy.

“The Malaysian football team always loses in the (qualification matches) for the World Cup but they continue to try and compete.

“The time has come for us to no longer be fooled by the big parties, who are supported by the big towkays (businesspersons),” he said.

Untrue PSM will ‘split votes’

On another issue, Arutchelvan also addressed the question of splitting Pakatan Harapan’s votes, which would increase the chances for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to win the elections.

“It is hilarious when people say we are going to split votes. In the past, we (PSM) were accused of splitting Harapan’s votes in favour of BN.

“But look at what happened. Now, BN and Harapan have joined together. Don’t be surprised if tomorrow, this coalition government ‘kawtim’ (enters into an agreement) with PN.

“The people must understand the hypocrisy and lies,” he said.

Arutchelvan acknowledged that PSM, which is now cooperating with Muda, has also worked with various parties and NGOs in the past.

“Cooperating with other groups is not a problem. The problem is not to compromise on principles and the basis of our struggle. That is most important,” he added. - Mkini