FINALLY AMBIGA SPEAKS UP: HOW TO CONVINCE INDIANS WHEN THEY ARE NOT REPRESENTED IN TOP HARAPAN LINEUP

Prominent lawyer and human rights advocate Ambiga Sreenevasan could not help but to lament the lack of Indian representation in the Pakatan Harapan line-up.

Her observation came in response to reports that Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad is wooing Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia (PHM) chief P Waythamoorthy as well as former MIC president G Palanivel’s supporters to work on possible collaboration.

“Well, I suppose he’s opening up channels of communication. I personally think it is important to engage with the Indian community.

“When you look at the Harapan line up, there’s no Indian vice-president. To me, how do you go to the ground with that?

“If Harapan is serious about the Indian vote, they must show it in the line-up. For me, that is more important,” she told reporters in Bangi today.

Ambiga was the guest of honour at an event celebrating former Bangi estate workers from 24 families who had received free homes earlier this year.

While admitting the reported meetings between Mahathir and the Indian groups were a good step, Ambiga again stressed this should be reflected in Harapan’s top leadership.

“For me, putting just M Kulasegaran as treasurer is tokenism.

“I did communicate that to my friends in Harapan, (but) I haven’t seen any change yet.

“So unless they move (quickly on the matter), because the election is around the corner, they don’t have much time,” she added.

Nevertheless, although it is good that Harapan is opening communications on Indian issues, Ambiga said it is important “to speak to the right people, or at the very least, to all groups”.

“A good place to start would be the Indian leaders in Harapan,” she said.

Ambiga no to joining politics

Mahathir was reported to have met Waythamoorthy last week to discuss collaboration, saying there was a need to engage the community.

He has also reportedly sent an invitation to the Palanivel camp last week. They are expected to meet him as early as this week.

Meanwhile on another matter, Ambiga admitted she has indeed been approached by various quarters that wish to see her contesting in the upcoming general election.

“People do (approach me), but I’m not interested. I’m definitely not interested,” she chuckled.

The prominent lawyer is best known for having led electoral reform group Bersih in its early years, and has also served as Bar Council president from 2007 to 2009.

– M’kini