PETALING JAYA – As the six-state elections on Saturday loom closer, the Indian community has been urged to display unity and political assertiveness in light of the nation being at a crossroads between moderate and extremist policies.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said that by making their votes count, the community can send a clear message that they are a formidable political force to be reckoned with.
Citing the Madani Economy plan recently unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he said it promised better wages and greater economic empowerment for Indians.
Outlining the potential benefits of the Madani plan for the Indian community, he said progressive wages will lead to better pay for Indians.
He pointed out that 77% of Indians in the country are in lower-paying jobs, earning below RM2,000 a month.
“However under the plan, the workers; share of income will increase from the current 32% to 45%, resulting in a significant rise in salaries, potentially up to RM2,800,” he said today.
"This economic plan shows that the Madani government understands the situation of the people,” Santiago stated, highlighting the need for a decisive victory by the unity government in the upcoming polls.
The DAP leader said this is to ensure the implementation of this and other crucial plans that will benefit Indians over the next four years.
He was speaking at a press conference attended by Indian community leaders at Maharaj Restaurant here today.
The state elections are being held simultaneously in Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu.
‘Shunning polls not an option’
Meanwhile, Gunaraj George, Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the Sentosa seat in Selangor, stressed that for Indians to enjoy such potential prosperity, it would require active participation from the community in the upcoming elections.
“Staying away and not voting is not an option for Indians. We have much to lose,” cautioned Gunaraj.
He underscored the potential of the Indian community to influence the election outcome, especially in constituencies where the Indian vote could tip the balance.
The politicians also pointed to the potential repercussions of a Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, citing the case of Datuk Dominic Lau who is president of Gerakan, a component of the coalition.
It was reported recently that Lau was humiliated when told to leave a PAS rally in Penang.
“If this can happen to a component party head in PN, imagine what will happen to others? Indians must turn out in full force to prevent a similar fate,” said Santiago in describing the polls as a “life-or-death” situation.
Need to ensure policies implemented
Drawing attention to the community’s current support level of 75% for PH, Gunaraj set a goal to raise it by an additional 10%, emphasising the importance of every vote.
“Every vote counts as we could be the determining factor in some seats,” he remarked.
He urged everyone to participate actively, as the alternative is not acceptable.
“Don’t be fooled in this election. Staying away and not voting is not an option for Indians. We have much to lose,” Gunaraj asserted.
Santiago echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of the state elections to ensure the implementation of policies beneficial to the community.
They said the Indian community needs to stand united and make their votes count, highlighting the potential impact on their socio-economic conditions and the importance of affirming their political presence in Malaysia.
On the support of young voters, Santiago said the influence of social media on them is great.
He said much of PH’s efforts have been to connect with them through short videos and messages on platforms like TikTok.
While acknowledging a lukewarm response initially, the campaign has since gained momentum, reaching a broader audience of young voters. – The Vibes, August 8, 2023
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