SEREMBAN: Former state MIC chairman and state executive committee member Datuk L. Manickam has joined PAS.
The 64-year-old two-term Jeram Padang assemblyman who quit MIC last year said the move was to provide him a platform to continue to serve the people.
He added that he became a member of the party through the PAS Supporters' Congress (DHPP) when the body met on July 21.
"I received my membership card on the same day and was appointed a member of the DHPP central committee as well as permanent chairman of the Negri Sembilan chapter," said the former teacher.
"I have been in politics for 45 years and by joining the DHPP, I will ensure the voice of the Indian community will continue to be heard," he added.
The former MIC central working committee member said he was also attracted to the party's "PAS for all" slogan, the leadership of its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and DHPP chief N. Balasubramaniam.
"More people are beginning to accept PAS. I am also comfortable with the party as MIC had previously worked with it when PAS was in Muafakat Nasional with Umno," he said.
He had earlier hinted at joining PAS through a tersely worded message on his Facebook account on Thursday (Aug 1).
Asked if he had received criticism from former party colleagues or friends for joining PAS, Manickam said he did not.
"Most major political parties in the country have worked with PAS previously. I don't see why me joining PAS should be questioned or ridiculed by anyone," he added.
He said PAS also promoted transparency as the DHPP chief was invited to sit in the meetings of the PAS central working committee.
