Former MIC deputy president's son joins Warisan, says multiracial parties are the future

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri S. Sunther, the son of former MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, has joined Parti Warisan Sabah and will contest under its ticket in the next general election.

The former two-term MIC central working committee member also said that he strongly believed that multiracial parties are the way forward.

“I joined Warisan as I believe in its vision and direction.

“I am currently focused on being able to contribute to my new party and building a strong grassroots machinery to be able to serve the people effectively.

“I truly feel that a multiracial party is necessary to achieve a truly united Malaysia not by putting aside race and religion, but by embracing and respecting our differences.

“Warisan stands for the inclusion of all races; and all segments of society. I know I can play a strong role (in that),” he was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini in a report Wednesday (Jan 12).

Sunther added that he has obtained the blessings of those aligned to his father, a six-term MP and former federal minister, to join Warisan.

He also did not deny clashes within MIC over the years.

Despite changing his direction, Sunther said he would be willing to work with MIC in an effort to uplift the Indian community.

“My lineage will always be with MIC, but as we approach a new era, I had to make a choice in what I believe — to move to a party that is not based on one race.

“MIC has always stood for the plight of the Indian community. I shall always be happy to work with them (MIC) in achieving their goals of uplifting the Indian community,” Sunther, who is also managing director of Tamil-daily Makkal Osai, said.

He added that changes in the political landscape were normal, citing Warisan’s vice-president Junz Wong who used to be a DAP assemblyman before shifting to Warisan.

“Things happen. People adapt and transform for the betterment of the nation and hence, Warisan was formed. I see Warisan as my present and the future of this nation,” Sunther said.

Warisan, a multi-racial party that started as a Sabah-based party in 2016, had expanded its wings to Peninsular Malaysia last year.

Its president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said that the party will contest in GE15 and that Warisan wanted to move away from the current political system based on race and religion.