3R issues to loom large in Ayer Kuning, say analysts

 

Sivamurugan Pandian believes the role played by MIC’s M Saravanan in resolving the Hindu temple dispute will resonate with voters in Ayer Kuning. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Analysts say issues of race, religion and royalty will likely dominate the Ayer Kuning by-election, with the recent Hindu temple dispute and a slapping incident in Johor expected to take centre stage.

Sivamurugan Pandian, from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), said both Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional are expected to leverage these issues, particularly that of the temple, to their advantage.

Sivamurugan Pandian.

He said PN may drum up support for the construction of the proposed new mosque on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, while MIC’s M Saravanan will highlight the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple and the gazetting of its new site.

“Each side will try to play up the issues for political mileage. The authorities will need to step in if sentiments escalate — to prevent polarisation,” Sivamurugan told FMT.

Controversy recently erupted after Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd, which owns the land the century-old temple is currently on, announced plans to clear it to make way for a new mosque.

The issue was resolved after the temple’s committee agreed to relocate to a site that federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said was a mere 50m away.

Sivamurugan said Indian voters make up approximately 14.3% of the electorate in Ayer Kuning, a state seat in the Tapah parliamentary constituency of which Saravanan is the MP.

He said the matter remains sensitive but may lose some traction following the compromise reached.

“The decision to relocate the temple with the consent of all parties, including the temple committee, has defused the situation to a certain extent.

“Saravanan’s involvement in the resolution will likely resonate with voters,” he said.

Local issues take priority

While national matters will be amplified during the campaign, residents are expected to focus on bread-and-butter issues, with the cost of living, employment, education, health and infrastructure among the primary concerns.

James Chin.

“State by-elections typically revolve around local issues. Voters want to know what candidates can deliver for their constituencies and if the government has kept their promises for the area,” said James Chin of University of Tasmania.

Although the temple issue seems to have been resolved amicably, another incident—where a 65-year-old Malay man was arrested for slapping a Chinese man for eating during fasting hours—has sparked unease, especially among non-Malay voters.

Chin said although the public has grown desensitised to such incidents, such cases still possess the ability to sway opinions.

“Although the temple issue may not escalate further, the slapping incident is another reminder of unresolved tensions,” he added.

Potential Indian voter swing

Paniirselvam Jayaraman from the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia said Indian voters could play a decisive role given the split in the Malay vote between PN and BN.

Paniirselvam Jayaraman.

“Past elections have shown how small swings in Indian votes can determine the winner.

“The emergence of groups like Urimai opposing the government may also influence the results,” he told FMT.

Meanwhile, a veteran politician who asked not to be named warned that the Indian community was “profoundly dissatisfied” with the government. He said the temple issue would likely further compound that dissatisfaction.

“I am not sure how this particular issue would impact the outcome of the upcoming by-election. It could dissuade Indian voters from coming out to cast their ballots,” he said.

Even if they do, their vote may not be for the government, the politician added. “Many in the community feel that they have been taken for granted.”

He also said that although the temple issue has been resolved, the manner in which it was handled — including the insistence that the groundbreaking ceremony would proceed even while the issue remained unresolved — has left a bitter taste, the politician said.

“The community is extremely disappointed and hurt and they are just waiting to express this disappointment,” the politician said.

The Election Commission (EC) has set polling day for the Ayer Kuning by-election for April 26, with candidate nominations on April 12 and early voting on April 22.

The by-election was triggered by the death of the incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, on Feb 22. - FMT