CARETAKER Penang deputy chief minister P. Ramasamy’s departure from DAP did not surprise many. But I am deeply saddened over DAP’s treatment towards the man who had sacrificed more than 20 years of his life to public service.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke did not even have the courtesy to personally convey the decision that Ramasamy has been dropped as a candidate for the Perai seat in Saturday’s elections. This is despite Ramasamy having been Loke’s teacher in the past.

As a Penang resident, I have been following Ramasamy’s political career for some time now and I admire his tenacity and profound insights into issues that concern the public.

Ramasamy was an accomplished academician before diving into the murky world of politics. But he still retained his touch as an incisive thinker throughout his political career.

He is a prolific writer and has quite a following among non-Bumiputeras, especially the Indians. He is also one who would call a spade a spade. But his frankness often touches a nerve, making leaders, including those in Pakatan Harapan (PH), uncomfortable.

One example was his controversial view that the public service was being dominated by only one race. He had also been a fierce critic of racially biased views from former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

But it would seem that with the Chinese-dominated DAP being in power at the federal level now, it preferred to gloss over some of the sensitive subjects to preserve the so-called “unity” in the government. Doesn’t this show that DAP is only becoming another MIC or MCA?

It is an open secret that a “cartel” in DAP, led by someone who is described as an “emperor”, had wanted to oust Ramasamy and his supporters. This is because Ramasamy refused to play ball and is not aligned to the “emperor”.

So much for DAP being an open, democratic party that allows dissent.

Ramasamy’s resignation is also a reminder of the party’s Chinese-centricity. The only non-Chinese who could survive long in the party are those who are pliant and do not rock the boat.

Outspoken non-Chinese leaders like Ramasany, ex-DAP vice-president Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim and Zaid Ibrahim are not tolerated in the party, which is being run like a mob family.

Let’s be frank: Ramasamy’s departure is a huge loss to DAP and PH. He has also contributed immensely when he was heading the Penang Hindu Endowment Board. Penang Indian voters are grateful to the board for its contributions, such as allocations for Hindu temples.

Penang voters, especially from the Indian community, will remember Ramasamy fondly, although he is not contesting on Saturday. In fact, they may just vote against PH to spite the DAP government for showing its true colours by mistreating Ramasamy. – August 10, 2023.

* Michael Chelliah reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.