It is unfortunate that P Ramasamy has resigned from the party at this most crucial time; we are one day from the state elections. But I ask the question, what sort of example is he sending youth who aspire to be in politics? Is this the right example to set?
The reasons given to quit the party, raises serious questions about his commitment to both the party and its supporters.
While strategic moves are an inherent part of politics, it is imperative to examine such actions in the context of ethical responsibility and the greater democratic discourse.
It sends the wrong message to our youth that aspire to get into politics. We must ensure that political parties are more than just platforms for individual aspirations; they are vehicles for collective action and change.
Quitting a party so close to the state election sends a distressing message about personal interests taking precedence over the party's ideologies and the constituents it serves. Such a move highlights a disregard for the principles and the party's dedicated members who have worked tirelessly to uphold its values.
Secondly, the timing of this departure cannot be overlooked. This move could be perceived as an attempt to exploit emotions and sentiment for political gain. This calculated move could be seen as an effort to stir confusion, manipulate public perception, and potentially sway the vote towards the opposition. Such a strategy could undermine the integrity of the democratic process by capitalising on negative sentiment.
When formulating strategies, sometimes we make mistakes. Penang folk have been with us not because of individuals but because of the flag, what it symbolises and what it means in terms of governance.
They vote DAP and Pakatan Harapan for what the flag stands for. They vote for consistent policies, aligned ideologies, a strong mandate, expertise, long-term vision, effective governance, party accountability and stability.
So in that sense, they would be pleased that someone that is not happy, has left the party. We can move on.
Also, he joined DAP three years before we took the state government in Penang and he has been in a position of power since. He does not know the struggle we went through as the opposition in Penang all those years before. So maybe his decision was clouded by that fact.
When he join the DAP, he was subsequently made a member of the Central Executive Committee after A. Sivànesan voluntarily resigned from CEC to allow Ramasamy to be appointed into the CEC.
When we look at other parties, we see exemplary behaviour in similar situations. When Deputy President of MIC Tan Sri Subramaniam was not given a Parliamentary in 2004 GE a seat to contest he did not resign from the party. Subramaniam was popular but Samy Vellu disliked him and thus, he was dropped.
Notwithstanding that, Subramaniam stayed and campaigned for the party and stayed loyal to the party.
This resignation, could have been avoided if there was willingness to engage in internal discussions and work towards a solution. Politics requires active engagement, and parties thrive when members voice their concerns and work together for change. Strategic abandonment undermines the potential for productive dialogue and change from within. We must show our youth the right sort of politics.
Kula Segaran, Ipoh Barat MP
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