Perak DAP rep pans fake 'challenge accepted' poster, blames MIC

DAP’s Buntong assemblyperson M Thulsi has condemned the circulation of a fake poster that says she has accepted a challenge to debate Perak MIC Youth chief Theeagesh Ganesan.

She also believed that the BN component party was behind the poster.

“Yes, it is fake. MIC is too free, too much time in hand, resorting to fake posters,” Thulsi said in a text message to Malaysiakini.

A poster bearing the Perak DAP assistant publicity secretary's photo was found to be circulating on WhatsApp earlier today.

It claimed that she had “accepted” Theeagesh’s challenge for a public debate that would centre on both MIC and DAP’s track records serving the Indian community.

The MIC Youth leader had argued that despite MIC holding only a limited number of parliamentary and state seats during its time in the BN government, it still managed to deliver meaningful progress for the community.

War of words

Thulsi and Theeagesh have been engaged in a war of words after the DAP representative suggested MIC exit the Madani government if it felt like an “uninvited guest” - a sentiment echoed by MIC’s deputy president M Saravanan.

Theeagesh argued that despite MIC holding only a limited number of parliamentary and state seats during its time in the BN government, it still managed to deliver meaningful progress for the community.

“DAP has long accused MIC of failing the Indian community. I’m challenging Thulsi to explain what her party has achieved, especially now that DAP commands 40 parliamentary seats and is the largest party in the Pakatan Harapan-led government.

“Given the sheer number of seats DAP holds, the party should have delivered the stars and moon it once promised the Indian community. So I want to hear Thulsi explain to the public why, despite all that power, (Muslim preacher) Zamri Vinoth has yet to be charged with insulting Hindus.

“Let us also talk about the relocation and demolition of Hindu temples, matriculation places for Indian students, and not to forget, issues related to the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit,” he added.

Thulsi, who is the daughter of former DAP lawmaker Manogaran Marimuthu, claimed that she was also being targeted on social media but vowed not to bow to pressure.

Before forming an alliance after the last general election, DAP had for decades accused MIC of long-standing neglect and failure in uplifting the socio-economic status of the Indian community.

At the heart of DAP’s criticism is the argument that MIC squandered its influence and opportunities while in power, often prioritising political survival over substantive policy outcomes for the Indian community.

DAP leaders pointed to worsening poverty levels, lack of educational access, and limited upward mobility among Indians as direct consequences of MIC’s ineffective leadership.

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