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MUDA said the political squabble within the Opposition front as an embarrassing episode in Penang as they should be building a strong consensus to compete against the DAP - led national unity state government.
Penang Muda secretary Siranjeev Ram said the feud between the Malaysian Indian Progressive Party (MIPP) and Gerakan is cheap publicity to entertain themselves.
Ram said the squabble does not benefit Penang voters at all.
"A party which is exclusively for Indians suddenly emerges to proclaim it has the right to lead Penang. What is their track record to demand such a thing?" said Ram.
The party claims to champion the narrative of multi-racialism but in reality, it is just beholden to the domineering politics of race, religion and royalty, he added.
Instead, Ram said that Muda now provides an alternative in Penang to the apparent sluggish administration of Pakatan Harapan (PH) - Umno in the state.
"Compare to parties which just preach but do not do anything, Muda plans to become a third force option for voters in Penang to consider," said Ram in a statement.
"The people had enough of politics of hatred, which has become ancient. They want their elected representatives to focus on problem solving with integrity and fresh ideas."
In this context, Ram said that Muda wants to bring politics, which can be progressive and mature while representing the interests of all Malaysians.
Earlier, Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dominic Hoe Chai rubbished a suggestion for MIPP to lead the Opposition bloc in Penang, saying his party is more experienced as it had previously governed the state.
Lau questioned the basis for the new party to take charge of PN in Penang.
“Gerakan has been around for 58 years, and the post of the Penang Chief Minister was held by the party for 39 years. So, we have a strong foundation,” he was quoted as saying.
The late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, both former Gerakan presidents, held the Penang chief minister’s post from 1969 to 1990, and 1990 to 2008, respectively. - February 3, 2025