KLANG – Fifteen Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in the royal town, here, came together today to voice their support for three-term MP Charles Santiago to be retained for the 15th general election (GE15), here, amid rumours that he might be replaced.
The NGOs in attendance included a variety of resident associations, business associations, and religious groups.
According to Entrepreneurs Association of Little India Klang president Charles Manickam, Santiago’s contribution benefited the people during the pandemic and enabled Indian entrepreneurs in Klang to resume operations quickly.
“As a three-term MP, he has provided the region’s residents with unrivalled service.
“His service extended beyond his local community to the entire country as he spoke in Parliament and the national media on several important topics.”
In addition, Manikam said Santiago has successfully carried out several projects at the state and local levels in the Klang region to boost the economy of Selangor’s upper and middle-class Indian population.
“During the flood crisis in December 2021, he worked with resident associations to contribute aid.
“He then promoted awareness of climate change and created a long-term plan to prevent further flood calamities in the Klang area.
“It has helped the people during the pandemic and helped the Indian traders in Klang to resume business in a short period,” he said.
The news that Santiago, who has served the community for the past 14 years in various capacities, may not be running in the forthcoming GE15 has shocked and angered both local and Indian residents NGOs, here.
According to a member of an Indian NGO based here, their opinions, which represent a significant number of Indians residing here, must be heard.
“If DAP’s central executive committee makes decisions arbitrarily without considering the populace’s support and preferences, Pakatan Harapan (PH) will run the risk of losing the support of Indian voters not only in Klang but also at the national level.
“Santiago should stay in office because he has served the people admirably for the past 14 years without engaging in any controversy.
“His work is still in progress.
“Therefore, he should be retained as the PH candidate in the upcoming GE15, according to the wishes of the people of Klang and leaders of the Indian community,” the member who spoke on the condition of anonymity added. – The Vibes, October 18, 2022
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