How can they say I’m a racist, asks Tok Mat

Mohamad Hasan speaking at the ‘Bossku’ ceramah with Najib Razak at Bandar Ekar in Rantau last night.

SEREMBAN: Acting Umno president Mohamad Hasan said he had resolved many issues concerning the Indian community during his 14 years as menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan, yet he is being accused of being a racist.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the Rantau by-election said these issues included those concerning land, temples and schools.

“There are some who say I have not done anything as menteri besar.

“I do not know where they come from. We have carried out so many projects and solved problems facing the people.

“In Rantau, there are more temples than mosques.

“How can they say I’m a racist?” he said at a “Bossku” ceramah with former prime minister Najib Razak in Bandar Ekar last night.

Also present were MIC and PAS leaders as well as representatives of Indian associations.

In his speech, Najib said the state government under Mohamad had brought progress to the people, including development at Bandar Sri Sendayan in Rantau, which he said was the brainchild of Mohamad.

“If we want to change the political landscape, we must give a big victory to Tok Mat,” he said.

Some residents met after the ceramah agreed that the Indian community had benefitted under the former menteri besar.

“Tok Mat helps the Indian community. If you look at us, there are none who are hungry,” G Manimaaran said.

Another resident, who only wanted to be identified as Ramli, said Mohamad gave assistance to all races.

“When the state government under him gave out aid, everybody benefitted,” he said.

Chang Lim said Mohamad was a familiar face in Rantau. “He never refused help, even when people needed money to extract their teeth.”

The Rantau state constituency has 20,926 registered voters, comprising 20,804 ordinary voters, 118 early voters and four absentee voters.

About 55% of them are Malays, 19% Chinese, and 26% Indians and others.

In the by-election on April 13, Mohamad faces Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Streram Sinnasamy and two independents, Malar Rajaram and Mohamad Nor Yassin. - FMT