Axed lecturer now a Rocket man
Nurul NazirinPublished: Sep 8, 2005 12:02 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 6:21 PM
Axed Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) lecturer Prof P Ramasamy announced his decision to join DAP at a press conference called by the opposition party at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. It is currently underway.
Axed Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) lecturer Prof P Ramasamy announced his decision to join DAP at a press conference called by the opposition party at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. It is currently underway.
"My involvement with DAP is not very recent. I've participated in its activities such as press conferences, forums and in some issues. I'm just officially joining them now," he said in an interview yesterday that was embargoed until the announcement.
The political science lecturer who had served in UKM for more than two decades had his contract terminated effective Aug 27 without a reason. He had retired on May 10 and was to have been re-employed on a monthly contractual basis for two years up to May 9, 2007.
At the time, DAP leaders had attempted to seek Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's intervention over the termination of Ramasamy's contract.
Of the reason for his decision to join DAP, Ramasamy said he would like to play a more active role in politics and that he has a preference for opposition politics.
"The party may not be a perfect party. But I do believe that I can contribute to it and work against the prevailing racism and ethnic religion polarisation for the benefit of all Malaysians," he said.
"I need a political framework and I think DAP comes closest to providing this. I will also work on issues relating to corruption and abuse of political power."
No connection
He acknowledged, though, that public perception of the opposition would likely make him a target of negative reaction.
"It won't be easy, but I will take this as part and parcel of the struggle. Joining a Barisan Nasional party is out of the question," he said.
He was also quick to disassociate his decision from the fact that his services to UKM had been abruptly terminated.
"No, my termination has nothing to do with me joining the DAP. Even if I still have the two years (of the contract), I would have still joined the party," he said, adding that he is not eyeing any specific designation in the party.
"Ultimately it is up to the party to decide. I'm joining the party without seeking any position. I just want to join the party and contribute to it."
On his political aspirations, he said that he is prepared to work so that the situation in the country improves and that people do not have to merely live on hope.
He added that his family supports his move because "they believe I would be fighting for a just and right cause".
"My involvement with DAP is not very recent. I've participated in its activities such as press conferences, forums and in some issues. I'm just officially joining them now," he said in an interview yesterday that was embargoed until the announcement.
The political science lecturer who had served in UKM for more than two decades had his contract terminated effective Aug 27 without a reason. He had retired on May 10 and was to have been re-employed on a monthly contractual basis for two years up to May 9, 2007.At the time, DAP leaders had attempted to seek Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's intervention over the termination of Ramasamy's contract.
Of the reason for his decision to join DAP, Ramasamy said he would like to play a more active role in politics and that he has a preference for opposition politics.
"The party may not be a perfect party. But I do believe that I can contribute to it and work against the prevailing racism and ethnic religion polarisation for the benefit of all Malaysians," he said.
"I need a political framework and I think DAP comes closest to providing this. I will also work on issues relating to corruption and abuse of political power."
No connection
He acknowledged, though, that public perception of the opposition would likely make him a target of negative reaction.
"It won't be easy, but I will take this as part and parcel of the struggle. Joining a Barisan Nasional party is out of the question," he said.
He was also quick to disassociate his decision from the fact that his services to UKM had been abruptly terminated.
"No, my termination has nothing to do with me joining the DAP. Even if I still have the two years (of the contract), I would have still joined the party," he said, adding that he is not eyeing any specific designation in the party.
"Ultimately it is up to the party to decide. I'm joining the party without seeking any position. I just want to join the party and contribute to it."
On his political aspirations, he said that he is prepared to work so that the situation in the country improves and that people do not have to merely live on hope.
He added that his family supports his move because "they believe I would be fighting for a just and right cause".
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