Saravanan dares Indian DAP leaders to contest in Malay-majority seats

 

MIC deputy president M Saravanan has issued a challenge for DAP members to contest in Malay-majority seats if they truly believe all Malaysians are receptive of their ideals.

According to a video of his speech at the MIC Youth, Women and Young Women’s annual general meeting held at IDCC Shah Alam yesterday, Saravanan had alluded to a remark made by an Indian DAP state assemblyperson in Perak, who mentioned that MIC lost its deposits in Jelapang and Bentong.

While the Tapah MP did not mention names, he appears to be alluding to Sungkai assemblyperson, A Sivanesan.

It is unclear when Sivanesan had made the statement.

ADS

Miffed, Saravanan reminded DAP that MIC elected representatives had won in Malay-majority areas.

Unlike DAP, Saravanan said MIC had engaged with Indian communities across the country during the last general election, regardless of whether they were contesting in the areas.

“But you (DAP) just erected a stall near a big Chinese shop (to campaign).

“If you’re brave, leave Chinese majority areas and contest in Malay majority areas in the next general election. Let’s see if you can win at least one seat.

“Yes, we lost our deposits but you will have to run away from the country (when you lose),” Saravanan said in a veiled warning at the Harapan component.

BN’s troubles

Saravanan, however, conceded that the Chinese community had overwhelmingly backed the DAP in the last general election, while many Malays have also abandoned Umno - leaving MIC in a limbo.

“But you only go and contest in areas where there is a minimum 40 percent Chinese majority…yet you claim yourself to represent the Indian community.

“We bravely contested in Malay and Indian majority seats, regardless of the chances of winning or losing,” he added. - Mkini