PPP to start ball rolling on merger with Gerakan

IPOH (July 20, 2008) : The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) youth wing is to start the ball rolling for the merger of PPP with Gerakan to make it a stronger entity for a comeback in the next general election.

PPP youth chief Senator T. Murugiah wants members to start the process to activate the merger which was first proposed by PPP president Datuk M.Kayveas about five years ago.

The proposal was, however, shot down by the then Gerakan president (Tun) Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

Kayveas then responded by saying he would wait for Keng Yaik to retire from politics before making a fresh approach for the merger when the new Gerakan president is elected this year.

Murugiah said: "I will first discuss the matter with my leader (Kayveas) and then with Barisan National (BN) Youth Chief (Datuk Seri) Hishammuddin (Hussein) in the next BN youth meeting."

He said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), a multiracial political party, had emerged stronger based on the results of the 12th general election and the merger of PPP and Gerakan would have a similar effect in the next polls.

"Although both Gerakan and PPP are multiracial political parties, Gerakan is dominated by the Chinese while PPP has more Indians. A merger will strengthen both parties as truly Malaysian," he said.

He said polarised or race-based political parties will soon fade away as the present young rakyat now want political parties to serve the cause for all Malaysians instead of concentrating on race-based issues and policies.

Speaking to reporters after officiating at the Council of Perak Bell Clubs 37th AGM here today Murugiah, who is also a Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said there were only 1.28% Indians and 4.37% Chinese working in the public sector.

"More non-Malays should join the government service by applying for jobs on-line in the internet," he said, adding that more job opportunitie should be given to the Indians to sever the influence of Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) over the community.

Humayun Kabir
The Sun
20/07/08