Disgruntled Indian Malaysian members in Gerakan said today that they will quit the party following the leadership's refusal to field non-Chinese representatives in the general election.

Group leader A Rajaretnam said the decision would involve members from nearly 100 branches nationwide, 50 of which are located in Selangor.

"We have already considered this and were waiting only for the announcement (on the candidates). We will be meeting tonight and holding a press conference tomorrow," he added when contacted this afternoon.

Rajaretnam was asked to comment on the announcement by Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik this morning that no Indian Malaysian candidate has been included in the party's line-up.

He also threatened to expel those who attempted to sabotage the Barisan Nasional in reference to the group's pledge yesterday to convince Indian voters in Beruas parliamentary constituency not to vote for Lim, the incumbent.

"So what? He will not have to expel us. We will be leaving the party and we will make sure he loses his seat this time," retorted Rajaretnam.

Senator's appointment

At today's press conference to announce the Gerakan candidates list, Lim said the Indian Malaysian members should be satisfied with the appointment of vice-president Dr S Vijayaratnam to one of two senator's positions allocated to the party.

"I face (complaints) every elections. I can't accommodate...but out of two senators, I gave one to Vijayaratnam. That is 50 percent of the quota. What more do they want? I can't help it if they are unhappy. We do our best to accommodate," he said, when asked to comment on the situation.

On the choice of candidates, Lim said this was in line with the fact that a majority of the seats allocated to the party are made up predominantly of Chinese voters.

"Unfortunately, we are given many seats in Chinese constituencies. I have to worry...It is not as if it is the opposition. They put up all sorts of candidates. Even the opposition, especially DAP, will have to think about suitability of candidates," Lim said.

"Those days, the opposition could put up any race in a Chinese constituency and they would get elected. Nowadays, no way."

On the members' decision to prevent Indian Malaysian voters from supporting him, Lim warned: "Let them try. I will expel them immediately."

"This is only a small group of people. Come on, no big deal. Empty vessels make big noise! Who do they represent? The rest of the non-Chinese members are very disciplined and work for the party. They trust the leadership in its decisions."

Before any more questions could be posed on this, he said: "Full stop...stop...period! No more!"

Rajaretnam had earlier claimed that Indian Malaysian support was crucial to the president as his constituency had about 3,000 to 4,000 registered voters from this community.

In the 1999 general election, Lim retained the seat with a narrow majority of 1,455 votes or 5.3 percent of total votes cast.

Gerakan last fielded an Indian Malaysian candidate in 1995 when Dr Pius Martin contested and won the Bukit Lanjan state seat in Selangor.

Apart from Vijayaratnam, the only other top Indian Malaysian leader in the party at present is Wanita chief Rhina Bhar.