Hindraf leaders form new political party to address Malay-Indians' aspirations

Klang (Malaysia), May 19 (ANI): Several Hindraf leaders in Malaysia have formed a political party, which they say is aimed at addressing the aspirations of the Indian community.

Led by the Hindu Rights Action Force's former national coordinator, R.S. Thanenthiran, the Malaysia Makkal Sakthi Party vowed to remain neutral.

Its pro-tem secretary-general Kannan Ramasamy said the party had already received approval from the Registrar of Societies.

"We submitted the forms last month after realising the need for a political platform to represent the Indian community's needs and wants," The Star quoted Ramasamy, as saying.

"Since Hindraf is outlawed, it is timely that the movement and its support base find an alternative conduit to champion the Indian cause," he added

Lack of support from those whom the Hindraf helped win the elections last year is the reason behind the decision to form a new party, Ramasamy said.

The new party plans to work with whichever coalition that was willing to support Hindraf's 18-point demand.

"We are open to talks and negotiations with both the Barisan Nasional as well as Pakatan Rakyat and will support the coalition that supports our aspirations," Ramasamy said.

When asked if the new party was expecting crossovers from PKR and the DAP as some staunch Hindraf and Makkal Sakthi supporters belonged to these parties, Kannan said he would not rule that possibility out.

"We have not initiated our membership drive yet and will only know who's coming aboard when we start taking in members," he said. (ANI)