Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Earlier, Rhina Bhar quit Gerakan accusing the party of discrimination against the Indians. Now, Gerakan replies saying no such thing. In fact, they point out that 2 Senators from Gerakan are Indians, and one of them is a deputy minister as well (though we have to note that the appointment for deputy post came after the rest of Gerakan candidates lost).
They also point out that Rhina got a number of posts and recognitions while in Gerakan, and the actual reason for her resignation is due to disappointment for not being selected as senator again or nominated as election candidate. Hmm…that paints her as a politician who wants positions. Or she needs the posts to serve better? Could she have been a better election candidate compared to other Gerakan candidates?
Gerakan denies marginalising Indian members
May 16, 08 5:09pm
http://malaysiakini.com/news/83007
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.“
