The People's Progressive Party appears to be flirting with the idea of inviting a Keadilan supreme council member into its fold.

Although an invitation has not been made officially to Keadilan's N Gobalakrishnan, PPP has got wind that he is interested in joining the predominantly Indian multi-ethnic party.

Speculation on the matter intensified when PPP Youth leader T Murugiah was censured for suggesting that polygamy for non-Muslim men would solve the country's social ills.

Murugiah's 'impending suspension', observers had theorised then, would pave the way for a new Youth chief.

However, PPP president M Kayveas today said Murugiah will not be suspended as his remarks were well-intended, albeit offensive to certain quarters.

Asked on the possibility of Gobala joining the party, Kayveas said he was aware of the former's intention and welcomes it.

"Our doors are open to him," Kayveas told malaysiakini.

"We will only reject those who were previously in PPP who have created trouble for the party. But we welcome those who are new and have political aspirations and want to contribute to society," he added.

Undying allegiance

There was much speculation during PPP's recent annual general meeting that an offer would be extended to Gobala to join the 50-year-old party.

When contacted, Gobala did not entirely dismiss the idea of becoming a PPP member.

Despite pledging his undying allegiance to Keadilan as "it is the only multi-racial party in the country," Gobala said he would consider the invitation when it comes.

"I want to see what kind of invitation it is. Then I will cross the bridge when I come to it," said Gobala.

However, Gobala, who was an ex-Internal Security Act detainee, said he is comfortable with Keadilan and will assist the party in the up-coming Indera Kayangan by-election campaign that starts on Jan 10. Election day is scheduled for Jan 19.

Created waves

Gobala created waves in Keadilan before the party's third AGM in Kemaman, Terengganu, last November when he 'shifted camps' and aligned himself with the faction linked with the Malaysian Muslim Youth Association (Abim).

In a meeting prior to the AGM, Gobala was involved in a heated debate with current vice-president Azmin Ali over the appointment of delegates. 'Racist' remarks were reportedly thrown across the floor at the height of the meeting.

At the party elections, Gobala lost his deputy Youth leader post and was not elected into any position in the youth wing nor supreme council.

In an attempt to heal the rift between various opposing factions in the party, Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail appointed Gobala and several others into the supreme council.

Gobala is said to be vying for one of the two vice-president posts that are still vacant.