FORMER Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is furious with the “undignified manner” pursued by the Madani government to usurp the hearts of the mostly working class and not so well-off Malaysian Indian as Deepavali a.k.a. Festival of Lights looms.
He has directed his anger at the so-called “10,000 Madani Muruku & 1,000 Teh Masala Distribution Programme! 🎉” by Penang PKR under the patronage of the party’s president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim which is scheduled for tomorrow (Oct 19) evening in the vicinity of Penang’s Little India.
“This colourful programme will take place from 5.30pm to 7pm,” announced Penang PKR in its Facebook page.
“Come on, bring your family and friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere while enjoying the delicious food! Don’t miss this opportunity – we celebrate unity in the spirit of MADANI Malaysia! 🎊”
But Ramasamy – the former DAP stalwart – took offence of what he described as a “cheapskate publicity gimmick which runs down the dignity of Malaysian Indians”.
“Is this the way PMX respects the Indian community? With 10,000 Madani Muruku and 1.000 Teh Masala?” berated the former three-term Perai state assemblyman in a WhatApp text to FocusM.
“I’m ashamed of the Madani government – a government that gives pittance to the Indian community but billions to the Bumiputera!”
The United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council chairman further ticked off Anwar who is also the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman for “patronising a superficial event to usher in Deepavali (which will be celebrated on Oct 31) with the hope of soliciting Indian support”.
“Indians with dignity and self-respect should not attend the function or boycott it. Anwar must be taught a lesson not to take Indians for ride on these kinds of demeaning and superficial events,” lambasted Ramasamy who in recent times have been calling on Indians not to vote for parties/coalitions which make up the unity government.
“Unfortunately, PKR Indian mandor will be flocking the event to be seen with Anwar,” he lamented. – Oct 18, 2024
