Still no indication Selangor MB will meet displeased Indian voters

There is still no indication Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari would meet with disgruntled Indian voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu as former DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago suggested.

Asked if such a meeting is being arranged, Charles appeared to hint to Malaysiakini that the appeal could have fallen on deaf ears.

“I made a public appeal (to the menteri besar)l,” he said, referring to his press statement on May 3, in which he noted there was a “disconnect” between the state government and Indians.

“I am still being flooded with requests for such a meeting from those on the ground,” he added with a disappointed tone.

Charles, however, declined to comment further on the matter, beyond pointing out that Indian votes are crucial in the May 11 by-election.

Former DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago

“I do not wish to say more about this. I am sure seasoned politicians know what the sentiment on the ground is and how to respond appropriately,” he added.

In his previous media statement, Charles said Indian voters, who make up 18 percent of the electorate in Kuala Kubu Baharu, are not interested in ceramah but want their grievances addressed.

“I hope he (Amirudin) takes up this request (for a meeting), especially when the community is upset and looking at alternatives,” he added.

Charles said Indian voters are unaware of or have not received the state’s welfare initiatives such as capacity building and entrepreneurial efforts to address income and poverty issues.

Apart from feeling that there is no political will to look into their problems, he added that the community also believes there is discrimination against them.

Boycott call

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that there is a campaign calling on Indian voters to boycott the election, whereas former DAP leader P Ramasamy is also urging them not to vote for the Pakatan Harapan candidate.

Malay voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu form the majority with 46 percent, Chinese (30 percent), and others (six percent).

A poor turnout among Indian and Chinese voters, whom some analysts claim are disappointed with DAP’s perceived capitulation on certain issues, could foil Harapan’s bid to retain the seat.

Previously, political scientist Wong Chin Huat said following Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s response to the KK Mart socks row and Harapan’s inaction have prompted the coalition’s supporters to consider abstaining from voting in the polls to send a message.

Saturday’s contest would feature Harapan’s Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan Nasional’s Khairul Azhari Saut, Hafizah Zainudin from Parti Rakyat Malaysia, and Nyau Ke Xin who is an independent candidate.

The seat fell vacant following the death of its three-term incumbent from DAP, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21. - Mkini