KLANG: Prominent businessman and known associate of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, "Oms" P. Thiagarajan, has vehemently denied and dispelled talks that he was planning to launch a new political party.
During a press conference today, Thiagarajan reaffirmed his trust in the capabilities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) over conventional political structures.
"I've always seen myself as an NGO enthusiast. Launching a new party doesn't seem like the solution to me. The recent event was merely a platform to gauge opinions and wasn't an official announcement," he explained.
This comes after the Prime Minister's Office issued a statement, denying that Anwar endorsed any move to establish a new political entity. Responding to this, Thiagarajan said, "I have briefed Anwar about the essence of that gathering. He understands the situation."
His clarification was in response to a weekend meet-up in Klang, drawing in around 600 attendees, including former Indian leaders from various political backgrounds and Indian NGOs.
At the gathering, attendees were given four potential routes forward, with a significant number favouring the setting up of a new political party.
The other alternatives included strengthening the existing parties within Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional or mobilising through a robust NGO foundation.
Organised by Persatuan India Malaysia Bersepadu, Thiagarajan said he was one of the six speakers at the event. He, along with three other speakers, voiced their reservations against the creation of a new party.
Highlighting the role of NGOs, Thiagarajan referenced the impactful changes in 2007 that led to electoral shifts in state governments in 2008.
"This enabled the Indian community to have positions like a deputy chief minister and a state assembly speaker," he stated.
He also highlighted his own NGO, Pertubuhan Aman Transformasi Malaysia (ARIMA), home to many individuals who previously distanced themselves from traditional Indian-based political parties or were sacked from them.
Thiagarajan said, "Anwar as the Prime Minister is a boon for Indians. With Anwar there, why do we need another party? If anyone thinks about forming another party, he must be mad."
He also recalled a conversation with the prime minister two years ago where the then opposition leader had advised him to channel his efforts via NGOs.
"I am already 70 years old now, and I have no political ambitions," he said. He also pointed out that while he had no interest in doing so, he could not stop others from forming parties.
In another matter, he touched on the alleged shutting down of about 800 MIC branches nationwide and appealed to the party's leaders to rethink their decision.
