THERE must be a new political party to serve the Malaysian Indian community as MIC has lost relevance while Indian representation in Pakatan Harapan leaves much to be desired, former DAP leader P. Ramasamy said.

The former Penang deputy chief minister ll said the new party for Indians should not be dependent on PH or Perikatan Nasional.

He said Indian party MIC has been overshadowed by the multiracial representation provided by PH, DAP and PKR. 

“However, Indian representation in PH leaves much to be desired, especially when the genuine demands of the community have been drowned in the chorus of empty multiracialism that invariably benefits the dominant communities,” Ramasamy said in a statement today. 

As a result, he said Indians were deserting PH as could be seen in the recent elections in seven states.

“In the coming elections, more and more Indians are going to move away from the unity government.

“Whether they are going to embrace the PN coalition remains to be seen but the lack of an Indian agenda on the part of PN could be troubling for Indians.”

Ramasamy, who left DAP after he was dropped from the Penang elections, said a new Indian party appeared to be in the offing.

He said Indian civil society groups were meeting in Klang today to discuss just that.

“I understand that the individuals behind the move have some links to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It could even be said that the meeting has the blessing of Anwar. 

“While a new Indian party could result from the meeting, however, there are no indications to suggest that the new party would be independent of the PH coalition.”

A new party aligned with PH would fail to address Indian issues, he said.

“How will this new party ostensibly formed to take Indians to greater heights get out of the quagmire of subservience to and dependence on PH and its brand of empty multiracialism?

“For Indians to attain a certain degree of decency and self-respect, effort must be made in the direction of independence. 

“Only an independent Indian political party can chart a course for Indians in the country. No Indian party can serve the community by having a close nexus with either PH or PN.”