Waythamoorthy (right) and his brother Uthayakumar (left) during happier times. Also pictured here is V. Ganapathy Rao

KUALA LUMPUR (10 Feb): Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia (PHM) chairperson P Waythamoorthy has stepped down as deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in light of the “failure” and “betrayal” of the government to assist Indians of poor economic standing.

In a statement released by PHM secretary P Ramesh, Waythamoorthy apologised to the Indian community for his “failure” in making their lives better.

It remains unclear whether or not Waytha has relinquished his position as a Senator, Senate president Abu Zahar Ujang was unable to confirm the same.

PHM is a splinter group from the original Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) movement which organised a wave of anti-government protests in 2007. During the May 2013 general election, PHM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pledging support to Barisan Nasional. Waytha was subsequently appointed a deputy minister.

The original Hindraf group is still led by his brother, P Uthayakumar, who is serving a two year sentence for a sedition charge he refused to contest.