KKB polls not the time to show anger against govt, MIC chief tells Indians

 

Indian voters must vote wisely in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11, MIC president SA Vigneswaran said.

According to him, the votes cast must reflect that the Indian community still have faith in the government.

"There's still discontent against the government among the Indians. However, they must realise that if they want to switch their support in this by-election, it will still not affect the prime minister's and state administration's position.

"So, the voters must make the right choice by voting for Pakatan Harapan in the by-election," he told reporters in Putrajaya last night.

Vigneswaran said a Harapan win in Kuala Kubu Baharu, with the support of Indian voters, would give an added advantage to Indian elected representatives who are part of the government, to ask for added allocations and aid for the community.

"If the Indian community feels that the government is still not delivering on its promises, they can make the decision (to switch support) in the next general election. The time is not now," he said.

There have been reports of growing discontent against Anwar's administration among the Indians, particularly following controversies like the premier helping an Indian youth convert to Islam, and the PKR president's "rude" retort to an Indian student's question about the quota system at educational institutions.

Another matter of contention is the lack of an Indian minister in Anwar's government, following a cabinet reshuffle last December.

Earlier, it was reported that several quarters comprising former ministers, former Harapan leaders and allies, as well as NGO representatives are holding meetings with local leaders and the Indian community’s representatives urging for a boycott of the May 11 polls.

According to the group, the campaign to “stab” Anwar is to send a clear message to the prime minister that the Indian community is not satisfied with his government.

In Kuala Kubu Baharu, where 18 percent of its electorate are Indians and a successful boycott campaign would negatively impact Harapan.

The by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent Lee Keong, who held the seat since 2013.

Harapan is fielding Pang Sock Tau, an aide to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, against Hulu Selangor Bersatu leader Khairul Azhari Saut. - Mkini