Ramasamy wants PN to nominate Indian candidate for KKB polls

 

Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy has urged Perikatan Nasional to nominate an Indian candidate for the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

This is to enable the opposition coalition to make a good impression among the non-Malays, particularly Indians, the former DAP leader explained.

"Before the election on May 11, PN leaders should come out to address some of the misgivings of the non-Malays towards the opposition.

"They should emphasise the point of ethnic inclusiveness in their approach to national politics," the United for the Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) president said in a statement today.

Since the Indians are the "most disadvantaged" people, PN should show respect and appreciation for the community by nominating an Indian as the candidate for the coalition, he added.

Urimai previously announced that it would support PN in the by-election, as a way to oppose the "ineffective" Pakatan Harapan-BN-led government.

'Get closer to non-Malays'

Ramasamy claimed that the Madani government is a "disgrace" for taking the Indian community for a "humiliating ride" since it came to power.

The state seat, which fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Lee Kee Hiong on March 21, comprises 46 percent Malay voters, followed by Chinese (31 percent), Indians (18 percent), and others (five percent).

Ramasamy said that DAP would mainly rely on Chinese support, while PN has solid backing from the Malays.

However, PN still lacks support from the non-Malay community, and this is where nominating an Indian candidate would show the coalition's inclusiveness, he added.

"In last year's state elections, a significant portion of Indian voters dissatisfied with Harapan/DAP/PKR voted for PN candidates in Penang, Selangor, and other states.

"PN leaders realise that they need the support of the non-Malays to aspire for national political power.

"The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election presents a perfect opportunity for PN to get closer to the non-Malays, particularly the Indians." - Mkini