Ramasamy: Sock-gate shows 'mouse' DAP can't defend Chinese rights

Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy has raised doubts about whether the Chinese community can entrust DAP with safeguarding their welfare and interests.

Citing the recent controversy surrounding socks bearing the word Allah, Ramasamy (above) alleged that DAP had unequivocally demonstrated that the party is “just a mouse in opposing the racist Umno”.

Therefore, with the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, he said his newly established United for the Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) will seek to dissuade non-Malay voters from supporting Pakatan Harapan or DAP candidate.

“While Malay voters have an aversion to Harapan and DAP, the Chinese and Indian voters need to be persuaded.

“The Chinese, who constitute about 33 percent of voters, are aware of DAP’s shortcomings but lack the political alternative to move away from Harapan or DAP.

“I seriously believe that voting for Harapan or DAP means voting for the ‘racist’ Umno. Umno cannot be forgiven for holding the country to ransom on the socks matter,” he said in a statement today.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has been at the forefront of the boycott call against KK Mart over the sale of the controversial socks at some of its Selangor outlets.

Two DAP ministers – Anthony Loke and Nga Kor Ming – have since rebuked Akmal for continuing to stoke sentiments over the matter despite KK Mart apologising for the debacle.

Loke said DAP did not agree with Akmal's methods in handling KK Mart.

The transport minister also questioned whether Akmal would react in the same way if it involved a Muslim-owned company.

Nga, who is housing and local government minister, warned that Akmal’s push against the convenience store chain may backfire on Umno.

Dissuading Indian voters

Ramasamy reiterated that Urimai will work with fraternal political parties and NGOs to dissuade Indian voters from supporting the Harapan candidate in the upcoming by-election.

While the Indians in the constituency may only constitute 18 percent of the votes, he pointed out that they may have the electoral strength to determine the winner.

“As it is, the Indian support for the Harapan-led coalition has declined from the last six state elections in 2023 and the trend will continue in the future polls.

“In the forthcoming KKB by-election, if 50 percent of the Indian voters turn away from Harapan or DAP, victory is assured for the opposition.

“Indians think that Harapan or DAP must be taught a lesson in the by-election,” the former DAP leader said.

The KKB state seat became vacant following the death of its incumbent Lee Kee Hiong from cancer on March 21. The DAP lawmaker was 58.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that the coalition will not seek to contest the seat, and will respect whoever the government chooses to field there.

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