Anwar's associate: Only mad person will form new party, I'm not mad

A close associate of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified he will not form a new Indian-based political party, claiming that such a move would be nothing short of insanity.

However, P Thiagarajan, popularly known as “Oms” Thiagarajan, said he would not stop others who attended a recent event themed "Indian Community Towards a Better Future", from doing so.

Speculation about the businessperson forming a new party surfaced following his remarks at the event.

At a press conference today, Thiagarajan said he was merely sharing the feedback obtained from those who were at the Klang gathering.

“Only a mad person will form a new party after Anwar has become prime minister. I’m not mad,” he said, pledging to continue opposing parties which ignored the interests of the people.

“If you look at my experience, I was always with the opposition. I am already 70 and can no longer be part of the opposition,” he added.

According to Thiagarajan, he would remain in the NGO circle since “there is nothing to be gained” from starting a new party.

On Oct 8, Malaysiakini reported the businessperson as stating he had informed Anwar about the event, which was attended by over 400 guests comprising Indian politicians and representatives from various NGOs.

They included former MyPPP president M Kayveas, former All Malaysian Indian Progressive Front (IPF) secretary-general K Panjamoorthy, former PKR Kapar assemblyperson S Manikavasagam, former Kahang assemblyperson Ramis Subramaniam and former MIC veteran Dr N Ganabaskaran.

"I have told Anwar about this function. He said, ‘Go ahead’. Whatever feedback from today, I will inform him (Anwar) soon.

"The final decision is in his hands. Don't worry, we hope for the best from our prime minister," Thiagarajan had told the attendees.

‘Nothing related to our event’

On the following day, the Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement without mentioning names, said Anwar was not supporting anyone to form a new party.

Quizzed on this today, Thiagarajan believes that the PMO statement did not refer to the Klang event.

“The statement has nothing to do with our event. The statement did not mention names or places. So I believe it was not referring to the event,” he said.

Thiagarajan said he had explained what transpired at the event to the prime minister through WhatsApp.

“I have communicated with Anwar through WhatsApp. I have explained to him and he has accepted my explanation,” he added.

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