Gerakan Youth vice-chief S Paranjothy, who landed in the limelight after issuing a statement blaming Umno for inciting racial sentiments, kept mum when asked for comments today.

When contacted, Paranjothy said his statements to the media could jeopardise his defence if referred to the party's disciplinary committee.

"I should refrain from saying further as it may jeopardise my defence," he said.

Last Friday, Paranjothy issued a scathing four-page statement titled 'Discrimination from womb to tomb', in which he blamed Umno for inciting racial sentiments among Malaysians for its own political mileage.

He also criticised the government for "marginalising, oppressing and ignoring" the Indian community which resulted in them being "fourth-class citizens".

The statement drew flak from Umno Youth chief Hishamuddin Hussein who said his movement should severe ties with Gerakan, which is a Barisan Nasional (BN) component.

Sacked or suspended

Gerakan Youth also disassociated itself from Paranjothy's statement.

Gerakan Youth deputy chief Lim Si Pin and party central working committee member Kohilan Pillay, in a joint statement, said the Youth wing was "shocked" by Paranjothy’s statement.

They said the issues raised by Paranjothy should have been resolved internally or through the consultation process.

Meanwhile, Gerakan acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon said Paranjothy may be sacked over his hard-hitting statement.

He said Paranjothy could be sacked or suspended for "stirring up feelings of unpleasantness among the multi-racial community and Barisan Nasional".

He said Paranjothy would face the disciplinary committee and central working committee for making racially-sensitive remarks.

On that note, the Gerakan leader also told Hishamuddin not to threaten the party.