SHAH ALAM - Former Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy's newly-formed political party is nothing more than a 'sourgrape' or revenge party, says political analysts.
Speaking to Sinar Daily, political analyst James Chin expressed doubts about the potential success of the new political party called United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai).
"I highly doubt that this new party will have any traction in the non-Malay community; they might have a little traction in the Indian community," he said.
Chin further attributed this skepticism to Ramasamy's reputation, pointing out the perception of 'ungratefulness' to his former party.
"Many of them see him (Ramasamy) as being 'ungrateful'.
"He was allowed to serve as Penang deputy chief minister II for 10 years.
"People believe that DAP gave him a lot of opportunity.
"The moment DAP stopped him from being DPM, he merely went against them.
"So this party looks very much like a sourgrape or revenge party," he added.
Commenting further, Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) echoed a similar perspective.
"To be honest, I don't think a new multi-racial party would gain much traction if it doesn’t have a unique agenda," she said.
Syaza drew parallels with the origins of DAP, stating it will be an Indian-based party similar to DAP as a Chinese-based party.
"I think since Malaysian politics is still very much ethnic-based, having an Indian based party would emphasise its own struggle over that of a cross-class alliance," she added.
Earlier today, Ramasamy has established a new party with several other friends, including former Bagan Dalam State Assemblyman M Satees and former Batu Kawan DAP Branch Chief David Marshel.
Ramasamy was formerly the Perai assemblyman and Batu Kawan MP under DAP.
He served as the Penang deputy chief minister II since 2008 before he was dropped as a candidate in the August state elections.
He left DAP but stressed that it was not due to being dropped as a candidate but due to his unhappiness with the party leadership.