MalaysiaUpdate - PETALING JAYA: Embattled Padang Serai member of parliament N Gobalakrishnan, once a vocal opposition voice, took the stage yesterday, but this time around he was speaking not against Barisan Nasional (BN) but for the ruling coalition.
Gobalakrishnan, who left opposition-based PKR on Jan 29, appeared at a ceramah in Puchong and shared the stage with BN state and local leaders after a hiatus of 12 years.
The former MIC Youth secretary joined PKR in 1998, but quit the party after party de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim appointed lawyer N Surendran as a new vice-president instead of from the current batch of elected Indian representatives.
Speaking at an Umno-organised ceramah at Puchong Indah, he said only BN could address the woes of the Indian community.
The event under the BN’s Save Selangor series of ceramah was also attended by Selangor opposition leader Satim Diman.
Gobalakrishnan, who is now an independent BN-friendly MP, also lashed out at Anwar and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.
“Anwar is so much in love with Azmin that he has forgotten about other leaders in PKR and the people of Malaysia. PKR is the party that was formed to protect the interests of Anwar and Azmin. The party chief is willing to sacrifice anyone because of his love for Azmin.
“Anwar had three times asked me to quit PKR. So, I came out of the PKR because I cannot stand it any longer,” he added.
Gobalakrishnan said he chose to join hands with the BN because the people, especially Indians, in Selangor were “suffering” under Pakatan Rakyat’s rule. Pakatan is made up of PKR, PAS and the DAP.
“Look at what is happening here. The state administration is filled with fraudulent activities. Yayasan Selangor is now bankrupt. Is this what the people expected from Pakatan? The people of Selangor must be wise in choosing the next state government. And I feel the BN government would be the best for the state and country,” he added.
PKR supporters assaulted
However, the ceramah took a turn for the worst when several PKR supporters started gathering near the event holding placards protesting against Gobalakrishnan’s fiery speech.
The situation became chaotic when Umno supporters began to retaliate. The Puchong PKR election director Zainal Abidin Abu Bakar and his wife were kicked and hit repeatedly by the Umno men. He was subsequently “rescued” by Puchong PKR division chief S Murali.
Commenting on the incident, Zainal said PKR supporters came for the event not with the intention of stirring trouble but for a “peaceful protest against Gobalakrishnan”.
“Also, we did not go inside to hear the ceramah. We stood across the street quietly but we were attacked,” he told FMT.
Meanwhile, Murali said he did not know Gobalakrishnan was present at the ceramah until he went there.
“I am still loyal to PKR under Anwar. Gobalakrishnan’s presence here in Puchong is a surprise. It clearly shows that the BN is desparate to win in Puchong,” he added.
Murali also advised Gobalakrishnan to be more courteous in his ceramah.
“He should not be using vulger words against Anwar in his speech. Gobalakrishnan has lost his credibility,” he added.
