Gerakan denies marginalising Indian members
Published: May 16, 2008 9:09 AM | Updated: May 16, 2008 9:12 AM
Gerakan refuted claims by the party’s former vice-president and Wanita chief Rhina Bhar that the party had sidelined its Indian Malaysian members.
“For the record, two out of three senators from Gerakan are of Indian origin – vice-president S Vijayaratnam and central committee member A Kohilan Pillay,” said Gerakan secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye.
Gerakan refuted claims by the party’s former vice-president and Wanita chief Rhina Bhar that the party had sidelined its Indian Malaysian members.
“For the record, two out of three senators from Gerakan are of Indian origin – vice-president S Vijayaratnam and central committee member A Kohilan Pillay,” said Gerakan secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye.
“One out of two deputy ministers from Gerakan presently servicing in the government is also of Indian origin – senator A Kohilan Pillay (plantation industries and commodities ministry).”
The other deputy minister from the party is Wanita chief Tan Lian Hoe, who serves in the Information Ministry.
Chia also said that Rhina had also been given roles and recognition in the party at various periods.
“She was a candidate for parliament, municipal councilor and a senator. She was also elected as the national women’s wing chief after serving as the deputy,” he added.
“During this time, she was recommended and conferred a Datukship for her services.”
Chia also refuted claims that acting president and former Penang chief minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon was unconcerned after she had told him of her intention to quit a month back.
“We were given to understand that she expressed disappointment because she was not re-appointed as a senator and not nominated as a candidate in the recent elections.”
‘Racist’ remarks taken out of context
Gerakan had been criticised for failing to field any Indian Malaysian candidate in the past two general elections.
Rhina, who had been in Gerakan for 30 years, quit the party on Monday.
“It is impossible for me to continue working under the present conditions,” Rhina was quoted as saying in today’s The Star daily.
“Gerakan is to be a multiracial party but the leaders have been making many racist remarks. Enough is enough,” said the 59-year-old.
Chia said the ‘racist’ remarks made by former president Dr Lim Keng Yaik and Koh were quoted out of context, said Chia.
“This was already explained in the media and within the party and Rhina was fully aware but apparently chose to make this as an excuse for her resignation.”
“For the record, two out of three senators from Gerakan are of Indian origin – vice-president S Vijayaratnam and central committee member A Kohilan Pillay,” said Gerakan secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye.“One out of two deputy ministers from Gerakan presently servicing in the government is also of Indian origin – senator A Kohilan Pillay (plantation industries and commodities ministry).”
The other deputy minister from the party is Wanita chief Tan Lian Hoe, who serves in the Information Ministry.
Chia also said that Rhina had also been given roles and recognition in the party at various periods.
“She was a candidate for parliament, municipal councilor and a senator. She was also elected as the national women’s wing chief after serving as the deputy,” he added.
“During this time, she was recommended and conferred a Datukship for her services.”
Chia also refuted claims that acting president and former Penang chief minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon was unconcerned after she had told him of her intention to quit a month back.
“We were given to understand that she expressed disappointment because she was not re-appointed as a senator and not nominated as a candidate in the recent elections.”
‘Racist’ remarks taken out of context
Gerakan had been criticised for failing to field any Indian Malaysian candidate in the past two general elections.
Rhina, who had been in Gerakan for 30 years, quit the party on Monday.“It is impossible for me to continue working under the present conditions,” Rhina was quoted as saying in today’s The Star daily.
“Gerakan is to be a multiracial party but the leaders have been making many racist remarks. Enough is enough,” said the 59-year-old.
Chia said the ‘racist’ remarks made by former president Dr Lim Keng Yaik and Koh were quoted out of context, said Chia.
“This was already explained in the media and within the party and Rhina was fully aware but apparently chose to make this as an excuse for her resignation.”
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