Since MIC pointless, PN confident of 'marginalised' Indian votes

 

Bersatu information chief Razali Idris is confident that Indian and Orang Asli voters will cast their ballots for the Perikatan Nasional candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

“More so with Indian voters because it is now pointless for them to pin their hopes on MIC.

“The time has come for them to support PN which is committed and vociferous (in championing) the people’s (rights),” he said in a statement this evening.

Describing the two communities, which make up more than 6,200 of the total voters, as the kingmaker, he claimed the current government marginalised them with regard to “education, employment, cost of living, welfare, and their futures”.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that certain quarters have called on Indian voters, who constitute 18 percent of the electorate, to boycott the May 11 polls to send a clear message to the government.

On April 22, PN included the Indian-based party MIPP (Malaysian Indian People’s Party) into its fold.

MIPP joins PN

MIPP president SP Punithan said his party was the best option for the Indian community following the erosion of support for the once formidable MIC in the past general elections.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denied reports which claimed that MIC would not be campaigning for his coalition government’s candidate in the by-election.

Malay voters account for 46 percent of the total voters in the state constituency under DAP’s control, Chinese 30 percent, and others six percent.

Meanwhile, Razali, who noted the 30.85 percent increase of votes for PN in last year’s state election, said this signalled a shift in support.

Kuala Kubu Baharu is one of three state constituencies under the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat. The Hulu Selangor MP and the other assemblypersons are from PN.

“I am confident that Malay voters, especially those who voted for Umno in the past, will vote for the PN candidate (in the by-election),” he added.

Malay candidate better

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that PN will be fielding Bersatu Hulu Selangor division chief Khairul Azhari Saut for the seat despite Gerakan wanting to contest again.

Commenting on this, Razali said he agreed with fielding a Malay candidate because there is a greater margin for emerging victorious.

DAP will be fielding Pang Sock Tao, an aide to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

The seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong, who retained Kuala Kubu Baharu in the state election with a majority of 4,119 votes. - Mkini