The United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai) has pledged its full commitment to campaign in the Ayer Kuning by-election, aligning itself with PSM and independent candidates opposed to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
Pro-tem chairperson P Ramasamy announced the party’s intent to shed light on the “systemic discrimination and marginalisation” faced by the Indian community under the Madani government.
He said this would include the controversial relocation of the Devi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur.
"Unfortunately, Urimai has once again been denied registration by the Registrar of Societies (ROS). This undemocratic move effectively bars the party from contesting in the election. However, our absence from the ballot will not prevent our presence on the ground," he said in a statement.
Ramasamy (above) affirmed that despite the setback, Urimai would actively campaign, urging Indian voters - and all justice-driven Malaysians - to reject both the Umno candidate and the Pakatan Harapan-led government.
"Our dedicated network of supporters will take to the ground to campaign vigorously, exposing the failures of the current government. The Indian community deserves better," he added.
Urimai’s agenda also includes highlighting the government's “refusal” to appoint any Indian Tamil as a full minister, the persistent underrepresentation of Indians in the public sector, and the “chronic underfunding” of development initiatives aimed at uplifting the Indian community.
"Through videos, grassroots campaigns, and speeches - if invited by the opposition - Urimai will expose the duplicity of the current government and the complicity of Indian leaders in DAP, PKR, and MIC.
“Despite aggressive campaigning by these parties in previous by-elections, Urimai’s grassroots efforts have played a pivotal role in reducing Indian voter turnout, sending a clear message of discontent," Ramasamy remarked.
He also noted that while MIC may believe it still holds sway over the Indian community in Ayer Kuning, the power dynamics are changing.
"In an age of digital awareness and rapid communication, the old networks of patronage are crumbling," Ramasamy said.
"The younger generation is increasingly aware and unwilling to tolerate political puppetry that serves elite interests while abandoning the masses," he added.
The Ayer Kuning state seat is part of the Tapah parliamentary constituency, which is the stronghold of MIC deputy president M Saravanan.
PSM candidate
Ramasamy elaborated on Urimai’s message to Indian voters, stating, “First, Indian voters must deny their support to Umno and Pakatan Harapan, which have consistently failed them. Second, they must exercise their democratic freedom by backing PSM’s progressive voice or other truly independent opposition candidates, breaking free from the failed status quo."
He commended PSM for fielding local candidate Bawani KS, describing it as a powerful demonstration of PSM’s commitment to representing the working class and marginalised communities.
“Though PSM may be considered an underdog, its unwavering ideological stance and track record of standing up for the rights of the oppressed speak volumes,” Ramasamy emphasised.
Bawani, who serves as PSM’s deputy secretary-general, contested the state seat during the 15th general election.
"Let this by-election be a turning point. Let the voice of the downtrodden be heard loud and clear. Let Umno and its allies know they can no longer count on the silent suffering of the Indian community," Ramasamy declared.
The Ayer Kuning by-election on April 26 was triggered by the passing of the seat’s incumbent lawmaker, 59-year-old Ishsam Shahruddin, who was also the Tapah Umno division chief, on Feb 22 last year.
BN named Yusri Bakir, the 54-year-old Tapah Umno secretary, as its candidate, while Perikatan Nasional chose Tapah PAS chief Abd Muhaimin Malek to contest the seat. - Mkini
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