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 By Tan May Ping HE gave up a lucrative job as a researcher in Singapore to fight for what he calls 'justice'.
And Dr P Ramasamy, 58, said he didn't have to mull too long over the decision. That's because he felt the itch to go into politics. So when the leaders of the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) asked him to join their campaign, Dr Ramasamy quit his job as a visiting senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. He said: 'I was earning about $9,000 a month and I also had several consulting jobs. They asked me not to go but I told them that I wanted to fight in the elections.' Although Dr Ramasamy may be a political novice, he is pitted against Barisan Nasional heavyweight Koh Tsu Koon, the outgoing Penang chief minister, in Batu Kawan, Penang. HOTLY-CONTESTED Along with the hotly-contested parliamentary seat, Dr Ramasamy is also standing for the Perai state seat. The New Paper caught up with him after he gave a rally speech at Bukit Tengah in Batu Kawan on Saturday. 'I've been speaking so much that I'm losing my voice,' he said. Dr Ramasamy's fiery speeches often stir the crowds. He tries to capitalise on issues about race. 'This is Malaysia. We want to increase harmony, not racial segregation,' he said in his speech, to cheers from the crowd. He tells them the government is discriminating against non-Malays, but unfortunately, many Malays have not benefited either. The colourful character has also turned to the Tamil film industry to woo Indian voters. Playing inspiring songs from the movies of the late superstar M G Ramachandran (MGR) to fire up the Indian voters, Dr Ramasamy urges them to vote for the Opposition using 'Makkal Sakthi'. The phrase, which means 'people's power', is also the slogan of the Hindu Rights Action Front or Hindraf. The Indians, who comprise 23 per cent of the 47,378 voters in Batu Kawan (Chinese form 56 per cent and the rest are Malays), are said to be unhappy with the state government, saying they have been neglected over the years. Dr Ramasamy is relishing the fight. 'Winning and losing is part of the game,' he said, adding that he felt inspired by all the support he has garnered. 'I know I'm fighting for a good cause.' - THE ELECTRIC NEW PAPER
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