Penang Deputy CM Ramasamy says he helps Indian community up north too

GEORGE TOWN: The Deputy Chief Minister II in Penang not only serves the Indian community in the island state but also serves the community in the northern region.
DAP central executive committee member Dr P. Ramasamy, who has held the position for the last two terms, pointed out that the Indian community from as far as Kulim, Sungai Petani and Parit Buntar have come to his office here in Komtar to seek assistance.
Therefore, it is an important post which needs to be preserved for the community, said Ramasamy in an interview.
"And they bring a diverse set of problems from income issues to educational needs and the needs of their localities and constituencies in general."
According to Ramasamy, his office has often adopted an open door policy.
"We cannot be turning away people who seek help. We will try to help where we can," said Ramasamy.
Ramasamy who has held the post since 2008, will be defending his Prai state constituency.
He is up against state MIC deputy secretary M. Suresh, who is the Barisan Nasional candidate for the 14th general election.
Meanwhile, MIC central committee member J. Dhinagaran, who is contesting the Bagan Dalam state seat in Penang, said he was bemused with Ramasamy's claim.
"He has hardly taken care of the Indians in Prai, and now he wants to say that he is also looking out for the community in Kedah and Perak?"
Dhinagaran said that some block of voters in Prai were waiting to vote against him because of the lack of attention and service.
"Ramasamy is trying to be popular by portraying himself as a hero of the community. But please ask the voters in Prai what he has done for them," he said.