THERE is saying that if you repeat an untruth a few times, there is possibility that the untruth might become the truth.
This seems to be the case with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for repeating the statement that Indians are not neglected the country.
In the immediate aftermath of the Sungai Bakap polls, he issued a statement saying that Indians are not neglected in the country.
He elaborated the statement by saying that the government assistance in the form RM100 mil through the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) as well as RM50 mil to Tekun Nasional and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and others were examples of the Madani government’s commitment to assist the Indian community.
Anwar added that he had even asked Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to provide opportunities for Indian children to participate in vocational and technical training. Moreover, he has also requested PETRONAS to provide scholarships for Indian students.
And finally, Anwar said that he was willing to listen to PH-led government Indian MPs, state assemblymen and grassroots leaders, among others on how the government could be of assistance to the Indian community.
Anwar’s humble tone towards the Indians seems to have come after the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led coalition suffered disastrous defeat in the recent Sungai Bakap by-election.
Short memory
In the polls, majority of the Malay voters and the so-called “fixed deposit” Indian voters deserted the PH-led coalition camp.
Even the die-hard Chinese voters did not turn up in droves to vote for the ruling coalition. The Chinese voters’ turnout was the lowest compared to other races.
Perhaps, Anwar realised that not only the Malays have deserted the PH-led coalition but the Indians have followed suit. The Sungai Bakap polls was the first election in the country that saw Indians voting in favour of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.
This could be the result of frustration with the Madani government, Anwar’s indifferent attitude towards the Indian community and some serious attempts made by PN leaders to attract the support of the Indian community.
Anwar seems to have a short memory. He has conveniently forgotten that it was him who forbade questions on the matriculation programme; who referred to Indians as “Keling”; who presided over the conversion of an Indian youth in Klang after he became the PM; asked Indians not to be jealous of government assistance to the Malays; refused to appoint an Indian Tamil minister; and most recently introduced a token merit policy in the admission of students with 10As and above in their SPM to matriculation programme.
To the Indian community, such a policy has no relevance when students only take up nine SPM subjects. The merit policy for the high achievers was just a gimmick to get the support of the non-Malays.
Mutton, chicken curry treat no longer works
Having hurt and humiliated the Indians in the country, Anwar expects them to be faithful and loyal to him and the government. Why should they!
Maybe the “spineless” “sycophant” Indian leaders in PKR and DAP might be loyal to him just to ensure their bread crumbs are not lost. But he should not take the Indian community for granted.
In the case of the Sungai Bakap by-election, dishing out mutton and chicken curry did not bring about the desired results. Indians frustrated and humiliated came out to vote against the Anwar-led government.
If PN makes the right political overtures, it just a matter of time before Indians might seriously consider throwing their lot behind the PN coalition. It is just not enough to have the defanged Indian representatives in PAS and Bersatu to pull Indian support.
The United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) takes the opportunity to thank to thank the Malays, Indians and to a limited extent, the Chinese, in showing their displeasure towards the PH-led coalition.
If PN wants to be seriously considered as a national political coalition, it is about time it comes out with policies and programmes to satisfy the political aspirations of the non-Malays.
Indian support cannot be taken for granted. Indians are no more the same submissive ethnic group as in the heyday of the MIC. They want respect, dignity and rights in the country. Well, this is the meaning of the newly formed political party, Urimai.
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.