Ong keluar parti kehilangan besar buat DAP, kata Ramasamy

Pengerusi Urimai P Ramasamy expressed disappointment over the resignation of former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming from the DAP, stating it is a significant loss for the party. Ramasamy emphasized Ong's importance within the Pakatan Harapan coalition, particularly in election preparations and electoral trend analysis. He noted that Ong's background in political science is a valuable asset for DAP's election strategy.

However, Ramasamy highlighted that Ong's independent thinking has led him to view the party's future differently from the top leadership, which is why he was not selected as a candidate during the 15th general election. Within the DAP's culture of loyalty, Ramasamy believes he is not suited to play the role of a loyal party member.

He cited the erosion of Indian support for DAP due to the sidelining and removal of prominent Indian leaders within the party as a contributing factor to Ong's departure. Ramasamy's resignation comes at a time when the party, after yielding to Malay dominance, appears to lack a clear political identity based on honor and self-respect.

Despite being a respected figure outside the DAP, Ramasamy announced his withdrawal from the party after almost 14 years of membership. He stated that he has no intention of joining another party or contesting in the upcoming general election but will assist former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin's campaign during the 16th general election.

Ong previously served as the MP for Serdang from 2013 to 2018 and as the MP for Bangi from 2018 to 2022. He also held the position of Deputy Minister for International Trade and Industry from 2018 to 2020.