NGOs want apology from DAP reps over ‘beggar’ claim

(The Star) – Three non-governmental organisations have demanded an apology from Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer and Bagan Dalam assemblyman A. Tanasekharan, claiming they have offended the Indian community.

Representatives from the NGOs held a protest against the DAP assemblymen in Jalan Mohet here, demanding that they apologise to Penang Deputy Chief Minister Dr P. Ramasamy and the community for implying that Indians were “beggars”.

“The community is hurt by Rayer’s comments that Dr Ramasamy begged for the DCM’s post.

“He is a professor with credentials. He did not have to beg for his post,” said Pertubuhan Naam Tamilar Malaysia chairman G. Ramesh.

The other NGOs are Klang Tamil Welfare Association and Malaysia Tamil Students Progressive Association.

At the height of the “godfather-warlord” squabble between DAP chairman Karpal Singh and Dr Ramasamy, it was reported that Rayer had reminded Dr Ramasamy that he would not have been given the DCM’s post if not for Karpal.

Rayer had claimed that Dr Ramasamy practically begged Karpal for the post after the 2008 general election.

A news portal quoted Dr Ramasamy as denying the allegation and said Rayer had “stooped so low” as to condemn him over a remark about godfathers just to curry favour with Karpal.