WE represent 12 Indian-based national non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country, popularly known as I-25. Our work revolves around education, community development and socio-economic development of the Indian community in the country.
We have been working together as a coalition since 2007 and the individual member NGOs have been serving the community between 20 and 40 years.
After the Hindraf rally in 2007, DAP had approached Indian NGOs to recommend potential Indian candidates who they thought would be able to represent their aspirations as well subscribe to the DAP core values of meritocracy, inclusiveness and accountability.
Charles Santiago was recommended and accepted by the leadership of DAP based on his records and performance as a professional and activist.
He was nominated for the Klang constituency in GE12 (2008), won, and continued to win with increasing margins in GE13 (2013) and GE14 (2018).
Now there are reports that Santiago will be dropped, and such reports have not been denied by DAP’s national leadership.
The community is baffled to note that Santiago, a respected member of the community, and an MP known for his competency, parliamentary performance, community service, local initiatives and hard work, is being sidelined by the party
This has caused confusion, frustration, and even anger in the community.
Why is a party that approached the Indian NGOs to nominate a good and competent candidate now marginalising the same person who has remained competent and acknowledged as such by voters and other MPs?
In fact, media reports indicate that the Klang stakeholders – business, resident associations, neighbourhood associations, and NGOs – have come out in support of his candidacy.
Many social media users have rallied around him. Interestingly, a Undi18 constituent has even started a Change.org petition for his renomination.
It is remarkable that the recognition of Santiago’s competence and support for him cuts across ethnic boundaries – Chinese, Malays, Indians, and East Malaysians – so much so that they reject the speculated alternatives.
We also heard that Santiago must give way because he has served three terms.
This is puzzling as we know there are MPs and assemblymen in DAP who have served five, six, seven, and eight terms. Why the double standards for a performing and competing MP?
As stakeholders in democracy whose support have been sought by DAP leaders and grassroots, we humbly invite state DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo and other members of the DAP state committee for a Deepavali lunch or dinner in this week and explain the status and position of the candidate for Klang for GE15.
We hope this meeting is possible before any candidate announcement. – The Vibes, October 25, 2022
The statement is issued by:
Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Gopio)
Pertubuhan Titian Digital Malaysia (PTDM)
Education, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF)
MySkills Foundation
Malaysian Tamil Educational Research & Development Foundation (Tamil Foundation)
Telugu Association of Malaysia (TAM)
All Malaysia Malayalee Association (Amma)
Development of Human Resources in Rural Area Malaysia (DHRRA Malaysia)
Malaysia Hindhu Dharma Maamandram (MHDM)
Pertubuhan Pembangunan Dan Kemajuan Sekolah Tamil Malaysia (PPST)
Malaysian Association of Indian University Graduates (MAIUG)
Pertubuhan Belia Hindu Pelabuhan Klang (HYO Port Klang)
