Malaysian PM disappointed with resignation of ethnic Indian minister

P Waythamoorthy said that the government has failed to fulfil its promises of protecting the rights of minority groups

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has described as "very disappointing" the resignation of a prominent ethnic Indian minister from the cabinet.

P Waythamoorthy, the leader of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), resigned as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department on February 10, saying that the government has failed to fulfil its promises of protecting the rights of minority groups in the Muslim-majority nation.

Expressing his disappointment, the Prime Minsiter said: "After signing a memorandum of agreement with the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional to promote the agenda of the ethnic Indian community, Waythamoorthy's decision to step down is very disappointing."

He said Waythamoorthy should have met and discussed the matter with him in private before announcing the decision last Saturday.

"To fulfil the agreement, he should have adapted to and cooperated with the federal administrative system in order to achieve a consensus to carry out government programmes," Najib said yesterday.

However, he has accepted Waythamoorthy's decision and wished him the best in his future endeavours.

In a statement, Hindraf cited the government's failure to keep its promises made under a memorandum of understanding signed before the May 5, 2013 general election as the reason for Waythamoorthy's resignation.

The move was seen as a blow to the Malay-dominated government struggling to halt the slide in support from over 2 million ethnic Indians.

Najib said the government would always carry out socio-economic development programmes for the Indian community in line with his efforts to create an approachable administration which would always help people.

Waythamoorthy was appointed senator and deputy minister after the 13th general election eight months ago.