Sivaraj calls for renewed focus on Indian empowerment

C Sivaraj said the Indian community’s support for Pakatan Harapan had decreased by 15% while its support for PN had increased by 21% in Saturday’s state elections.

PETALING JAYA: Former MIC vice-president C Sivaraj has called for renewed focus on policies to empower the Indian community after claiming there was a shift in Indian votes at Saturday’s elections in six states.

In a statement, the senator said the results of the polls have proven Perikatan Nasional’s growing influence in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan.

He said the Indian community constitutes more than 10% of the population in 76 of the 132 state constituencies in Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

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He claimed that the Indian community’s support for Pakatan Harapan had decreased by 15% while its support for PN had increased by 21%.

“I am confident that the Indian community’s support is unlikely to completely shift towards PN. However, at the same time, the unity government’s leadership cannot simply overlook the Indian community’s agenda any longer,” said Sivaraj.

Sivaraj said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s acknowledgement that the Indian community is the poorest in Peninsular Malaysia should serve as a guideline in formulating policies.

He said among the issues that should be addressed immediately include opportunities for educational placements in public institutions of higher learning and support systems for the development of SMEs within the Indian community.

Sivaraj also called for “comprehensive empowerment measures” for the Indian community that need to be translated into policies.

“The issues raised are not complex matters that require billion-ringgit expenditures. They are basic issues that require clear policy direction from the unity government’s leaders,” said Sivaraj.

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Sivaraj quit MIC in June after nearly 20 years in the party, citing differences with the party leadership. - FMT