RSN Rayer questions Ramasamy's about-turn in KKB campaign

SHAH ALAM - Jelutong MP RSN Rayer voiced his curiosity about his former colleague Prof Dr P Ramasamy's decision to oppose the government in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election through negative campaigning alongside his associates.

"I am not surprised to see Ramasamy and his associates campaigning against Harapan in KKB.

"But I wonder if they would have taken the same stance if given the opportunity to contest in the last state elections in Penang last year, with Ramasamy still holding the position of Deputy Chief Minister," Rayer said in a statement, addressing what he sees as a hint of hypocrisy in Ramasamy's decision to oppose Pakatan Harapan (PH).

He pointed out that Ramasamy was a 'staunch supporter and ally' of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and a 'vocal defender of the Unity Government,' highlighting his previous allegiance.

"Once dropped as a candidate, he and his associates changed their tune and started attacking the unity government and the Anwar.

"Politics is about loyalty and principles, not selfish personal interests.

"In this regard, I appreciate and commend my former comrades who were once-elected representatives like Charles Santiago, Kasthuri Patto, Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, and Datuk Seri Chong Eng from the DAP who remain loyal to the party and are campaigning for us in elections, including this one in Kuala Kubu Bharu," he added.

He suggested that Ramasamy and his allies consider where they would be without the DAP and PH.

"They should cease their disgraceful antics in Kuala Kubu Baharu and refrain from trying to manipulate the KKB voters for their own interests," he stressed.

The lawyer also expressed gratitude for his other colleagues from DAP, PKR, and Amanah for their efforts in campaigning for the PH candidate.

"I also appreciate the Barisan Nasional (BN) election machinery, particularly my friends from Umno and the MIC, for their assistance in this campaign.

"I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Umno President Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi and MIC President Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran for their overwhelming support for our unity government candidate, Pang Sock Tao," he added.

Ramasamy, who now heads the DAP splinter party Urimai, has urged voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu not to cast their ballots for PH.

He reportedly said Anwar should be 'taught a lesson' for not fulfilling his promises to Malaysians.

The May 11 by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu was called after the death of its three-term assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong, from cancer.

DAP unveiled Pang Sock Tao as PH's candidate for the seat. Pang served as the press secretary to DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming.

Meanwhile, PN nominated Khairul Azhari Saut, Bersatu's acting chief in Hulu Selangor as its candidate.