Kannan Is New Makkal Sakti President

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Former Makkal Sakti secretary- general Kannan Ramasamy won uncontested the party president post at its extraordinary and annual general meeting (EGM/AGM) held here Saturday.

Vanesan Michael is deputy president.

Despite strong voices against the holding of the meeting, it went on smoothly at 1pm and ended at 6pm at Dewan KR Soma, Wisma Tun Sambanthan in Jalan Kampung Attap here.

About 300 delegates attended the meeting to elect the party president, deputy president, secretary-general, treasurer, three vice-presidents and 25 central committee members.

Speaking to reporters, Kannan claimed that the meeting was carried out in a legal manner and had the approval of the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

The party, which means 'People's Power' in Tamil, and a splinter of the once-banned Hindu Rights Action Force, has been rocked by leadership tussle and internal conflicts since the end of last year, six months after formation.

On R. S. Thanenthiran who claimed he was still party president, Kannan said Thanenthiran was elected president in last year's AGM, and was such until Jan 17, this year.

"Based on the party's constitution, 14 out of 26 committee members held a meeting and decided to vote against Thanenthiran and sack him from the party," he said.

EGM On Saturday Not Valid, Says Makkal Sakti Party President

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party president R. S. Thanenthiran on Thursday advised party members not to attend the extraordinary meeting (EGM) of the party called for by some members on Saturday (Sept 25) and saying it was not valid.

He said some disgruntled members and leaders who had been expelled from the party were behind the move in calling the EGM.

"Their agenda is to cause confusion that the party is facing a leadership crisis," he told Bernama here Thursday.

He added that Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor in a meeting with him on Monday, had also informed him that he would not be attending the EGM.

Makkal Sakti Party to repay PM's favour

Newly-launched Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party (MMSP) has pledged support for Barisan Nasional's bid to retain the Bagan Pinang state seat during the by-election next month.

Bagan Pinang folks will go to the polls on Oct 11, just a day after MMSP's official launch and first annual meeting to be officiated by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in Serdang, Selangor.

MMSP president RS Thanenthiran said the Indian voters of Bagan Pinang have much more to gain should BN's yet-to-be named candidate win, as the coalition is the ruling state government.

"But if the seat falls to the opposition, it will be a waste for the Indian community there, because they cannot do much in terms of social, educational and economic development," said Thanenthiran when contacted today.

"This (Bagan Pinang) is a test ground. The prime minister has made various promises to the Indian community. We should give him and his 1Malaysia concept a chance," he added.

Indians form a significant 19.9 percent minority of the 13,664 voters in the constituency.

Met PM twice

Thanenthiran said a MMSP delegation has met Najib twice - in March and in July - where the prime minister listened to their grouses and pledged to resolve the woes of the Indian community.

"We appreciate that he made time for us and he realises that something must be done - education, gangsterism, alcoholism and work opportunities - these problems were highlighted and he even took down notes," he said.

However, Thanenthiran stressed that MMSP will remain an "independent" party, despite cozy ties with Najib, adding that the latter was invited to launch the party as the prime minister, and not as the BN chair.

"We are greatly honoured because our PM has an open mind.... We are the Makkal Sakti (people's power) party and it is clear that this PM is a people's PM.

"We are attracted to his 1Malaysia concept. This is what we are asking for. We hope by inviting the PM, we can get a clear picture of the 1Malaysia concept," he said.

Thanenthiran said the party aimed to address the woes of the hardcore Indian poor and boasts a membership of 50,000, registered over the past three months.

He said the warm reception his party has received was an indication that the Indian community was unhappy with the current crop of political parties and were looking for another platform.

Wants to contest in elections

However, he said MMSP was willing to form alliances with any political party if they can provide a "clear direction and plan" for the Indian community.

He confirmed that MMSP plans to stand for elections in the future but has yet to identify possible seats, adding that the main priority now was to build the party.

He declined to comment when asked if MMSP was now in direct competition with MIC.

"I am the very, very, very least interested in MIC. We have had enough of their stories. We want change and our own direction... I don't know anything about them and I don't want to talk about them," he said.

The Oct 11 launch will be followed by MMSP's inaugural annual general meeting, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang.

Thanenthiran first gained prominence as a Penang-based national coordinator for the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) movement while its leaders were either incarcerated or was in self-exile.

He and his followers broke away from Hindraf earlier this year and formed the MMSP, which unlike most parties, was fast-tracked by the Registrar of Societies.

Comments from Malaysiakini:-

by md. imraz bin muhammed ikhbal

The words & actions of Thanenthiran says it all! It leaves one wondering as to whether MMSP is led by a bunch of conniving opportunists or gullible fools. I can only hope & pray that our fellow Indian countrymen are blessed with wisdom so as to not be hoodwinked by this new found stooge of BN.

by dood

Not really surprised at the latest turn of events, given the background history... Anyway, I wouldn't give two hoots about this so-called Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party - seems like an interested contender to replace MIC, nevermind what Thanenthiran says. BN racial politics is so apartheid.

by Mammen

God save the Indian community. History repeating..another 'ambitious Uncle Sam' in the making. Hey Ram!

by soo chong yew

Another crap party! Rakyat are not interested with this racial base party. Majority of our matured voters are interested to vote out bn. So see no reason why indians voters are bound to vote mmsp or bn.

by vijaya kumar

Returning favour for what? What BN have done for Indians since last election? I really suspect Thanenthiran's motive in dancing with the devil. Once upon a time he so loud against the UMNO and BN, but now??? If majority Indians votes goes to BN coming election, I would say UMNO had successfully break the Indian's community voice. Hindraf's effort back to zero.

by traj

another BN @@@@ sucker is born

by Sinacon

Not sure what Thenen is up to. Looks like he is power crazy too after have a feel of it during Hindarf on the move. Makkal Sakti is term used by Anuar in 2008 election campaign. Use original idea, do not ‘ciplak’ from others.

by Caklempong

It's a "new" party that sounds like the MIC, looks like the MIC, but it's not the MIC - it's a ball-licking party that's going to be even worse than the forsaken MIC!

by Poor Indian

My goodness gracious. I hope that Indians are not going to be taken for a ride by Thanenthiran. you think you throw your vote for him he will take care of you. No, No, No, when he tasted power, he will be like semi value in the next 5 to 10 years. Will he care for the Indian like he says now. Definitely no, no, no. He is just been very smart to use the hindraf platform to outdo semi value. He may have a problem with semi value. But is he going to be a more pro-indian. Definitely no, no, no. He is going to be very very pro-Thanenthiran, i.e. for himself and his own selfish interest and that of his indian gangs in hindraf. What shall we call them....maybe "Gang of 5"

by cheng ooi

Now the true color is shown. Why must ask for help from Najis? Don't you see all Malaysian should have equal right to enjoy the fruit of this nation. Why must Indian beg? Get rip of this BN support PR atleast we still have hope. What hope do you have from UMNO?

by Chandrasekar Krishnasamy

Knowing Thanenthiran, he would be more of a liability than a vote getter for BN, bcoz, he himself has never given the accounts for all the money collected on behalf of HINDRAF, but anyway, Tha-none-thiran, GOOD LUCK...for the next money venture.

by Vikneswaran Munusamy

Thanenthiran, getting PM to officiate your party is not important at all. As a matter of fact, PM will officiate any Kunji Raman's Party, as long as it's going to benefit his administration in any way. End of the day votes that matter. You've got lots of homework to do!!! All the best!!!!

by petestop

I have no doubt that Hindraf's Human Rights Party will be the next to beg from UMNO.

by Ihsham Shah Abdullah

Mr Thanenthiran is right as working with PR got Indians no where Buah Pala is an example...Did Anwar or Lim the robot's son care....At least with BN and after all the grouses already highlighted you are playing the cards right and getting the benefits for the Indians...you made a good calculative move and eventually replace Samy Velu as the leader who really did something for the Indians only with the support of BN can you get anything for the Indians don't hope much with PR eventhough they can form a good pakatan and are only interested in fighting among them as DAP supports only Chinese PAS and PKR only Malays and Indians will be a pawn for PR...

by wira

Perhaps Thanenthiran sees opportunities where others see despair. Opportunities to a datoship and a contract, perhaps. :)

by Mano

Tada maruah punya Thanenthiran. Worse than a prostitute.

by Yum

After subverting the words "makkal sakhti", this fellow is now groveling. He shames the memory of those who put their lives at risk to mobilise this movement.

by AliBapak

A very sad day for the Indian community in Malaysia. Some so called leaders are prostituting themselves to UMNO.

by faithfull

Mr. Thenenthiran, you are a traitor to the indian community. You piggy backed Hindraf for your own personal gains. You called Najib Najis and now invite him. Shame on you, you type of betrayers must be shot dead.

by KayKay

MMSP is taking the same aproach that MIC took under Samy Vellu for 30 years i.e. latching on to a PM for some crumbs from the Prime Minister's Department for the community. Of course Najib listened. What else can he do? The problem is the system which is anti-Indian and anti-other minorities too. If the system is changed, there is no need for anyone to see the Prime Minister and brief him on their woes. MMSP will only benefit a handful of leaders just as MIC has only benefitted a handful of the party's leaders. MMSP will not benefit the Indian community just as MIC did not benefit them. What is needed for the Indian community is to back the Opposition Alliance's call for change and reformation. Don't think in terms of some development crumbs from the PM's Department or the Umno-led BN Government. It's important to think big and look at the BIG PICTURE. Malaysia is much more than just the Indian community. Indian woes need to be addressed as part of the national agenda

by LG

Thanenthiran is going to get chased out of Bagan Pinang like I heard Samy vellu got chased out in the last elections - these fellows think that the people are fools.

by govindasamy

Mr.Thanenthran, You are not seeing the bigger picture for the Indian Community.You are alligned with najib for personal gains which I have no doubt.This is the time for you to show BN that they cannot have a free ride on Indians anymore.If any tangible benefits were to come it will only after BN is brought down. I am not a supporter of Pakatan but I do not condone what BN is/was doing for the Indians. Please do not be a spoiler.MIC or Makkal Sakti it does not matter for Najib what matters is the Indian votes , now you are falling into Najib's trap.You are a spoiler and disappoinment for the thousands who took to streets to support Hindtaf. Govindasamy Annamalai

by MAHINDAR SINGH

Another Indian party and wonder what have been promised to him. So it is ok now for the Tamil party that we have crime on the rise and corruption riddling our Malaysian society from BN rule. Who cares as long as Thanen the great is a new upcoming leader.

by Abil Pillay

We knew all along you were tagging along Hindraf and took an oppurtune time to disassociate and formed a new party using Makkal Sakthi as a platform. Thenindran, we Indians are so fragmented and we have no one voice, how the hell others are going to listen to all the voice. Today you claim to be the voice of Indians. How is your party going to benefit from the BN, if you are not in the BN.

by Victor Johan

There is this story of two friends at a picnic. Both to share their lunch. After dividing into two halfs, just as they were about to start eating, a monkey on the top of the tree shouted that 1st friend has more than half the share. The 2nd friend gets angry. So the money takes away a portion from 1st friend and eats. Now the 1st friend says the 2nd friend has more quantity. So the monkey takes some portion from the 2nd friend and eats. Now the 2nd friend says his portion is less than the 1st friend. So the money takes away some from the 1st friend..... get the drift ..... Until both friends now have very much less left compared to when they begun .... And the 'smart' monkey is non other than Najib. And there are still some poor dim-witted Indian Malaysian around.

by Victor Johan

...... Thanenthiran stressed that MMSP will remain an "independent" party, despite cozy ties with Najib, adding that the latter was invited to launch the party as a prime minister, and not as the BN chair ..... and like my friend said, "and pigs can fly". Thanenthiran, and his gang remind me of what Donald Trump's favourite saying after a deal won ... "Nothing personal, it is just business".

by Maran -

Dear Mr. Thanenthiran, You are a shameless man and you are the disgrace for the word of 'Makkal Sakti'. Just because you was not selected to contest in Bukit Selembau you join with someone whom you have called as Najis.