DAP’s Karpal Singh lashes out at Ramasamy

(The Star) – After keeping mum for days, DAP chairman Karpal lashed out at Deputy Chief Minister II Dr Ramasamy at the party’s state convention on Sunday.

In his speech, Karpal demanded that Dr Ramasany retract his statement for calling him a “godfather” and apologise for his action.

“Who built DAP? It’s the veterans who built the party and don’t ever forget the sacrifices of the veteran leaders.

“The party would not be around without the sacrifices of such leaders, and leaders of today won’t be leaders without the veterans and I don’t mince my words,” he said.

Karpal then went on to rap Dr Ramasamy further by saying that the latter “cannot just join the party and impose things his own way”.

“No one can be a warlord in DAP and Ramasamy has no business to be one and just name the candidates of his choice.

“Who is he to do so?” asked Karpal.

Karpal went on to admit that he had indeed called Dr Ramasamy a “warlord” and that he (Dr Ramasamy) had retaliated by calling him a “godfather”.

“He did refer to me as a godfather and he shouldn’t lie,” he added.

“Top leaders are ones who have gone through wars and battles and you just can’t come in and strut around,” he said.

Karpal also voiced his regret over the short protest that was going on below Pearl View hotel where the convention was taking place.

“Who is Ramasany anyway?” asked Karpal.

Dr Ramasamy’s supporters had gathered outside Pearl View Hotel where the convention was taking place to show their anger at Sri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer for backing up Karpal last week and shouted in protest.

Karpal also asked Dr Ramasamy to behave.

“If he (Ramasamy) does not behave, then action will be taken against him,” said Karpal.

At this juncture, Karpal’s speech was disrupted by a war of words amongst members who then had to be calmed down by the convention’s facilitators.

Karpal then continued his speech and stressed that Dr Ramasamy should apologise and withdraw his statement.