Gerakan leader may be sacked over statement

The Star

Gerakan Youth vice-chief S. Paranjothy could be sacked or suspended for stirring up feeling of unpleasantness among the multi-racial community and Barisan Nasional, said acting party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon. 

Dr Koh said Paranjothy would face the disciplinary committee and central working committee for making racially-sensitive remarks. 

Paranjothy was quoted in Internet media as saying that the Indians were treated as fourth-class citizens. 

“The disciplinary committee headed by Tan Sri Song Siew Hoong will be sitting soon to deal with the matter. 

“We will look into all aspects. He (Paranjothy) could be suspended or even sacked,” Dr Koh told a press conference at Gerakan headquarters in Jalan Macalister here yesterday. 

Dr Koh also said Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein should not have given an ultimatum to Gerakan to clarify matters, as disciplinary action was already being taken against Paranjothy. 

Dr Koh said Hishammuddin should not threaten Gerakan. 

“He (Hishamuddin) can condemn Paranjothy or criticise Gerakan Youth. But he should not make statements that can mar relationship between component parties within Barisan,” said Dr Koh. 

Hishammuddin had expressed regret over the remark made by Paranjothy, and demanded that Gerakan explain itself. 

Dr Koh said Hishammuddin should not have overreacted, adding that he felt saddened and angry over Hishammuddin’s comments.  

“Gerakan would have taken action against Paranjothy even if Hishammuddin had not made any statement,” he said.