We prefer discussions, says Makkal Sakti party

(The Star) PETALING JAYA: The newly-formed Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party will not resort to street protests “unless absolutely necessary,” preferring to solve things through discussions.

Its president and former Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) national coordinator R.S. Thanenthiran said grievances could be heard through roundtable discussions.

“Enough fighting on the streets. We are more determined than ever that non-violence is the way forward with dignity and justice,” he told a press conference here Tuesday.

The party, formed by several key Hindraf members, received its approval from the Registrar of Societies within two months of its application and was officially registered on May 11, he said.

Thanenthiran said it would remain an independent party but would not turn down funds from either the Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat.

“We are not being funded by Barisan. But if they give us money, why not? We will take it.

“However, this does not mean that we will compromise our principles.

“We will work with any party coalition that supports and benefits the Indian community be it Barisan or Pakatan,” he said, adding that the party would be officially launched in July.

Thanenthiran said he would be meeting soon with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Pakatan’s Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to convey to them the party’s aspirations.

“The party will house Indians from all walks of life under one umbrella, besides acting as a bridge to unite multiracial Malaysians to realise the 1Malaysia vision,” he said.

He said “1Malaysia” was a good concept but a party for Indians was still needed as “we are still left behind.”

Thanenthiran said he still had a good relationship with Hindraf chairman P. Waythamoorthy, whom he thanked for being instrumental in the party’s birth.

“We will still participate in Hindraf’s struggles. It is in our blood. Waythamoorthy said he will be apolitical but we will continue using this legal platform to address challenges facing the Indian community,” he added.

Thanenthiran said the party expected to increase membership from 5,000 to 300,000 by June next year.