Indian supporters show backing for PKR and Anwar

(The Star) – A group of Indian Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) supporters gathered at the party’s headquarters here yesterday to show their support for the party and its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Representatives of the group, some of whom came from other states, gave speeches in Tamil proclaiming their support for PKR.

In his speech, PKR secretary-general Datuk Salehuddin Hashim refuted claims that problems affecting the Indian party members were serious.

“Such matters can be settled amicably between the party leaders and members.

“It is only the outsiders who try to portray us as having problems. In fact, the Barisan Nasional had not been able to help the Indian community for the past 50 years, and that’s why the Indian supporters are with us.

“PKR is not a race-based party. It is a party for all races,” he said to applause from those present.

Pakatan Rakyat politicians had issued statements denying that cracks were appearing in the coalition because of open disputes between its members recently.

Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam, who is a PKR supreme council member, had resigned as Selangor deputy liaison chairman claiming that the party had not given enough support to the Indian community.

However, it was reported that he would decide on his future in PKR after meeting Anwar, who is visiting Dubai until Wednesday.

PKR deputy secretary-general P. Jenapala was dropped from the post after it was found that he had been declared a bankrupt.

Jenapala later said that he would not leave the party and would also meet Anwar to discuss issues involving Indians.