Overcome discontent, Chow tells voters after Ramasamy's exit

Caretaker Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has acknowledged there could be possible backlash over P Ramasamy’s decision to quit DAP.

However, he urged voters to “overcome their dissatisfaction”.

“Ramasamy has been the assemblyperson for Perai for three terms, he has his network and supporters. Those who sympathise with him may show their unhappiness (in the polls).

“It is possible there might be votes to show this unhappiness.

“Even if there is unhappiness, voters must do their important duty. Overcome your dissatisfaction,” he told reporters in Penang this afternoon.

Chow (above), who is also Penang DAP chief, said Ramasamy was disappointed over the manner in which the latter was informed about being dropped as a candidate.

“Ramasamy told me many times that he will not insist on contesting if the party feels he is no longer suitable. He wanted the message to be conveyed in a better way.

“But this is not the first time. This has always been the case where incumbents are informed at the eleventh hour about their fate.

“It is the same for this year (this election); candidates were only informed after the announcement was made,” he added.

P Ramasamy

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would seek clarification from Ramasamy regarding his resignation.

Describing the academic-turned-politician as a “friend”, the Pakatan Harapan chairperson hoped that he would continue to support the coalition government.

"Ramasamy understands our situation and difficulties, maybe he is facing some problems in the party. I will find out his views,” he told reporters at the sidelines of an event in Kuala Lumpur.

This morning, Ramasamy announced his resignation and censured the “emperor” as the root of the problems in DAP.

Although he did not mention names, it is believed that he was referring to DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng, whose faction is accused of wanting to take over the Penang chief minister post.

Terming it as a “purge”, Ramasamy claimed there was an attempt to sideline those perceived as supporters of Chow.

Though undecided about his next move, he, however, pledged to continue supporting Anwar’s leadership. - Mkini