N SEMBILAN POLLS | As polling day for the state election approaches, the views of Indian voters paint a divided picture.
On one hand, there is deep disappointment over the performance of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
On the other, there is concern and confusion over the new BN-PN political alignment.
A Malaysiakini survey in urban and suburban areas of Seremban found that many Indian voters are facing a crisis of confidence about whether to continue supporting the government, switch sides or stay home due to political fatigue.
The survey was conducted at random and may not reflect broader sentiment due to the limited number of respondents.
Faded enthusiasm
A businessperson from the Mambau state constituency, who only wanted to be known as Jaya, said his enthusiasm for politics had long faded and he does not intend to vote.
“I don’t feel there is any need to vote because whether you vote for BN, PN, or Harapan, they will all become one team after the state election.
“So there is no point choosing which party to vote for,” he said, referring to the fluid nature of cooperation between political parties today.
However, Jaya regarded Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun as a good leader who had helped everyone regardless of race.
Nevertheless, Aminuddin’s decision to contest the Linggi state seat may make it difficult for him to win in the new constituency.
High number of Indian voters
The ethnic composition of Negeri Sembilan’s electoral roll has one feature that distinguishes it from most other states.
According to the official electoral roll for the 16th state election, which contains 889,490 voters, Malays make up 57.2 percent, Chinese 25.3 percent, and Indians 14.9 percent. Orang Asli account for 0.9 percent and other communities 1.7 percent.
This gives Negeri Sembilan one of the highest proportions of Indian voters in Malaysia.
In 10 seats, Indian voters make up more than 20 percent of the electorate, a large enough share to determine the outcome of closely fought contests.
Based on Election Commission data, the Indian community forms a significant part of the electorate, with the highest proportion recorded in Jeram Padang at 33 percent, followed by Seremban Jaya at 28 percent.
In Sri Tanjung, Mambau, and Lukut, Indian voters make up 27 percent, 26 percent and 26 percent respectively, followed by Bukit Kepayang at 22 percent.
‘Empty’ promises
Disappointment with the federal administration was also expressed by a grocery shop owner from Seremban, who wanted to be known as Anbarasan.
Anbarasan stressed that Harapan must improve in many areas, as its leadership had made numerous promises, but its actions remained “empty”.
“Look at sensitive matters such as places of worship, which should not be described as ‘illegal’.
“Temple issues should be resolved properly without making such statements,” he said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday night appealed for the support of Indian voters in Negeri Sembilan, asking the community to forgive him for mistakenly using the term “illegal temple” when referring to places of worship built on disputed land.
Expressing his regret, Anbarasan said he still supported Harapan and regarded the BN combination of Umno, MCA, and MIC as acceptable.
“But when it comes to PAS, sorry lah. No way I’m voting for them,” he said.
In Seremban Jaya, signs of voter disinterest in turning out have emerged amid feelings that they have been neglected in basic infrastructure development.
Kanna, 37, said he would switch his support to BN because he was disappointed with Harapan, which he claimed was filled with “arrogant” leaders.
“There are many local issues in Seremban Jaya that remain unresolved.
“For example, there are no bus stops in Taman Seremban Jaya, particularly in Phase 9. There are also no bank branches or police stations, forcing residents to travel back and forth to Senawang,” he said.
He said many Taman Seremban Jaya residents were disappointed that Harapan, which had governed since 2018, was allegedly unwilling to resolve these problems.
Family tradition
A different view was expressed by S Kogilan, 30, from Seremban, who wanted the Harapan government to remain in power.
Kogilan, who is active in an NGO, said Harapan leaders in his area had provided significant assistance and continuous support to NGO activities, encouraging them to continue voting for Harapan in this election.
Meanwhile, family tradition remains an important factor for some voters.
Thirun, 35, who votes in Sri Tanjung, said he wanted to support BN because his family had traditionally been staunch supporters of the coalition.
“We are not MIC members, but my family has traditionally voted for BN. So I will support BN this time,” the Sri Tanjung voter said.
Meanwhile, voters such as Rajasegar viewed today’s political competition pragmatically but cynically.
“In the end, all the parties are the same.
“However, voters have no choice but to support Harapan because the actions of other parties such as BN and PN, which keep switching alignments, are merely aimed at remaining in power rather than genuinely helping the people,” he said.
Overall, Malaysiakini found that many voters who declined to reveal their identities expressed similar views.
They were disappointed with Harapan’s performance but, at the same time, had little confidence in a BN- or PN-led administration.
Negeri Sembilan goes to the polls tomorrow (Saturday). - Mkini
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