Former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) P Ramasamy joined DAP because he believes the party can improve the nation's economic well-being and democratic freedom.

"By joining DAP, I hope to work in solidarity with its leaders, members and supporters to provide a futuristic democratic, egalitarian and progressive vision of the Malaysian society that would be free from ethnic, religious and class oppression," he said in a statement to announce his entry into the opposition party at a press conference today.

The DAP, he reiterated, is the correct political choice to improve the economic well-being and democratic freedom of Malaysia.

Ramasamy said the ideology of Malay state racism as practiced by Umno and supported by opportunistic political parties such as MCA, Gerakan and MIC have contributed to the rise in ethnic and religious polarisation.

According to him, this had led to both Malays and non-Malays being denied the space for democratic participation.

He also pointed out that the non-Malay political parties have failed to represent the legitimate interests of their respective ethnic communities.

Ramasamy, who had served UKM for more than two decades as a political science lecturer, had his contract terminated effective Aug 27 without a reason. He retired on May 10 and was to have been re-employed on a monthly contractual basis for two years up to May 9, 2007.

Good anchor

His termination received the attention of DAP who sought the intervention of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Ramasamy described his entry into DAP as one of a "more mutual approach" as he and the party have been working on many issues prior to his decision to join.

"I don't think it is a tough decision. To me, I fought for issues which are consistent with the struggle of DAP. It is not a sudden decision of that sort," he said in reply to a question.

"There are many methodologies (in fighting for issues I believe in). I fought before as an individual. Today I come into a political party which has a fantastic record in fighting for democracy and justice in this country. I think I have a very good anchor now. It will be a team effort now.

"I am not just purely an academic, I am also a public intellectual. So being one actually prepares me for an easy transition to active politics," he added.

Uncertain of his area of specialisation in the party, Ramasamy said that he would like to contribute based on his experiences and knowledge of political science.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who was present at the press conference, said the party welcomed Ramasamy's decision based on his belief in DAP's Malaysian Malaysia - a vision of national identity centred on shared common values for democracy, justice, equal opportunity, freedom and peace.

The catalyst

Lim stressed that Malaysians should not be identified according to races but "simply Malaysians first and last" to achieve these common values.

He said Ramasamy's academic background and international standings are assets to the party.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang who was also present described the former UKM professor joining DAP as a "political milestone".

He said Ramasamy is the catalyst for more intellectuals to participate in shaping the political future of the nation.

DAP deputy secretary-general M Kulasegaran told malaysiakini that he has much respect for the academic for the issues that he fought for.

The professor's credentials - locally and internationally - speaks aloud for him, he added.

On Ramasamy's potential role in DAP, Kulasegaran revealed that it has yet to be determined but he expects him to play an important role - "one that is perhaps more important than mine."