Urimai slams MIPP for undermining opposition unity with criticism of Ramasamy
PETALING JAYA : Urimai has slammed MIPP deputy president S Subramaniam for what it described as an 'uncalled-for and unprovoked attack' on its chairman, P Ramasamy.
In a statement, Urimai secretary M Satees questioned the motive behind the criticism and said Subramaniam had made a baseless accusation when he reportedly labelled Ramasamy an 'opportunist' and claimed he lacked credibility among Malaysian Indians.
He questioned what prompted the remarks and asked whether Subramaniam or MIPP felt uneasy about Urimai taking the lead in consolidating Indian support against the government.
'What does Subramaniam stand to gain by attacking a fellow opposition-friendly party like Urimai?
'Ramasamy is not just the chairman of Urimai. He is a respected national figure and a key leader within the Indian community.
'Subramaniam must not forget who he is trying to discredit.'
In his statement, Satees said Urimai had consistently maintained an opposition-aligned position and shown 'unwavering solidarity' with the opposition over the past year, adding that Ramasamy had also repeatedly reminded party members not to attack friendly parties.
Satees also noted that Selangor Urimai's recent remarks on the Turun Anwar rally last Saturday were meant to highlight the need for Perikatan Nasional – which MIPP is a component party of – to project a more inclusive image for the Indian community and did not single out any party.
'The interpretation by the media was their own and not a direct reflection of Urimai's intention,' he said.
Stating that such continued 'unprovoked attacks' would be met with 'similar firmness', Satees urged MIPP's leadership and the PN coalition to rein in Subramaniam and focus on unity.
'I urge all Indian-based opposition parties to channel their energy towards the real adversaries of the Indian community — the Madani leaders — and to put an end to these unnecessary public quarrels.'
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