KUALA LUMPUR – There is a gap between the Indian community in Kuala Kubu Baharu and programmes by the state government meant to reach them, according to former Klang MP Charles Santiago.
He said he had observed this “disconnect” after meeting members from the community in the state constituency that will hold a by-election on May 11, and urged the authorities to take note to remedy the situation.
“They are not aware or have not received the state’s welfare initiatives like capacity building and entrepreneurial efforts to address income and poverty issues.
“The perception is that they are being discriminated against,” Santiago said on X, while tagging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He highlighted long-standing issues such as housing problems at Bukit Tagar and Ladang Nigel Gardner, which have not been resolved “despite promises during every election”.
“The people believe there is no political will. Solving the housing issue will go a long way to soften Indian anger,” he said.
Santiago, who is a DAP member, also said that ceramah or campaign speeches are no longer effective in engaging with Indians in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
“They are not interested in ‘talks’, instead, they are seeking an avenue to express their issues to the authorities.”
He said the Selangor state government should set up a complaints mechanism and also urged Amirudin to meet the community in person.
This suggestion to meet Amirudin personally came from some Kuala Kubu Baharu locals, Santiago added.
Indians form about 18% of voters in the state seat. Malays are the largest electorate at nearly 50%, while Chinese form around 30% and others including Orang Asli, form the remainder.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11 will see a four-cornered fight between Pang Sock Tao (Pakatan Harapan), Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Hafizah Zainudin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia), and Nyau Ke Xin (independent).
Lee Kee Hiong had retained the seat for DAP since winning it in 2013, until her death in March due to ovarian cancer. – May 3, 2024