IPOH – So, what is Tan Sri M. Kayveas doing contesting in Ipoh Barat?
The president of the suspended People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is contesting as an independent for the first time for what he says are sentimental reasons.
“PPP was born right here as the Perak Progressive Party by the Seenivasagam brothers (S.P. and D.R.). Those who were here long enough will remember it and the young will need to be reminded about this once-great party, which was led by these two brothers.
“They served with integrity and diligence which is what PPP stands for,” said Kayveas when met here during his campaign trail.
The 68-year-old faces incumbent Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate M. Kulasegaran of DAP, MCA’s Low Guo Nan on a Barisan Nasional (BN) ticket, and Gerakan’s Chek Kwong Weng running under the Perikatan Nasional banner.
As to why he is running as an independent, the former airline steward said: “I want to send a message that politics must change. Party politics is something that needs to be rejuvenated. We should also look at good individuals even if the party they represent is not so good.”
Which is why Kayveas said he had declined invitations from several political parties to join them.
“At the heart of it I am a PPP man. I told myself that I must contest in this election, if only to shine a light on PPP again.”
This may prove to be a challenge as the Registrar of Societies has denied the use of the party logo until a dispute between Kayveas and other past office-bearers has been resolved.
Following the results of the 2018 general election – which saw BN ousted from power for the first time – Kayveas wanted to take PPP out of BN; however, Datuk Seri Maglin D’Cruz whose faction wanted to remain opposed this and the matter.
“It is sad what has happened to a party synonymous with Perak and Ipoh. I hope eventually it will sort itself out,” said Kayveas.
In 2004, Kayveas had won the Taiping parliamentary seat, only to lose it in 2008 to DAP strongman Nga Kor Ming.
On his target in this election, the former deputy housing and local government minister said he expects to get about 8-10% of the 114,654 votes here.
“I don’t think it is a shabby expectation. It can help rejuvenate interest in PPP again,” said Kayveas, who had also served as deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of law.
Kayveas said initially the constituency composition was 60% Indians, 30% Chinese, and 10% Malays, but has changed to 67% Chinese.
“It gives you an idea where the votes could go.”
On his opponents, Kayveas said he prefers not to talk about them although he feels some candidates, while not as endearing to the people as others, will be picked on the strength and popularity of their respective parties and leaders.
“For example, someone may not like Kula, but he represents PH, whose prime minister candidate is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim whom that person likes. So, if giving his vote to Kula means helping Anwar be prime minister, then he will do the needful,” he said.
An election to choose a prime minister
This election, Kayveas said, is different from the one in 2018, where now the focus is on the prime minister candidates.
“The 2018 election was ‘anything but BN’ which was an advantage for PH.
“Now the issue is who is going to be the next PM. We have a tough campaign because voters are asking who is going to be the PM.
“They told me, ‘we are glad you are contesting and not representing any party, but who are you supporting as PM?’
“For me, as far as this election goes, it seems that Anwar has the advantage.
“I think perhaps it is his time. He is the flavour now. He was not given the opportunity so maybe it is time he got the chance.
“I wish him all the best. He has been my friend for many years.” – The Vibes, November 15, 2022
Additional reporting by T. Vignesh
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