(1) Rhina Bhar’s resignation from the party is regrettable but not surprising. We wish her well in her future endeavours.

(2) However, we refute her allegations that Gerakan did not value our Indian members and that our top leaders have frequently uttered racist remarks.

(3) Just for the record, two (2) out of three (3) senators from Gerakan are of Indian origin, namely our elected Vice-President, Dato’ Dr S Vijayaratnam and elected Central Committee member, Sdr A. Kohilan Pillay who is also one of our youth leaders.

(4) One (1) out of two (2) deputy ministers from Gerakan presently serving in the Federal Government is of Indian origin, ie, Senator A. Kohilan Pillay in the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities. The other is our Ketua Wanita, Dato’ Tan Lian Hoe, in the Information Ministry.

(5) Rhina Bhar herself has been given roles and recognition within the party and the government for various periods. She was a candidate for member of Parliament, municipal councillor and a senator. She was elected as the National Women’s Wing Chief after having served as the deputy for a number of terms, besides having been in the party Central Committee. She was recommended and conferred a Datukship for her services.

(6) When she spoke to the Acting President, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, a month ago about her intention of quitting the party, Dr Koh tried his best to persuade her to stay on. It was therefore not true that Dr Koh was not concerned, as she claimed.

(7) We were given to understand that she expressed disappointment because she was not re-appointed as a senator and not nominated as a candidate in the most recent General Elections.

(8) As to the alleged “racist” remarks by former President (Dato’ Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik) and Acting President (Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon), both of them were in fact quoted out of context and had already explained through the media and within the party, especially to our Indian leaders and members. Rhina was fully aware, but apparently chose to make this as an excuse for her resignation.

(9) Gerakan will continue to treasure the contribution and nurture the development of our leaders from all ethnic backgrounds with particular attention to achieve a more balanced representation, especially among the young.

Secretary General
of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia
YBhg Dato’ Seri Chia Kwang Chye