Nominate Indian candidate for KKB polls, Ramasamy tells PN

Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy said there is a need for Perikatan Nasional to strengthen its appeal beyond Malay voters.

PETALING JAYA: Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy has called on Perikatan Nasional (PN) to nominate an Indian candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election next month.

Ramasamy, who leads Indian-based party Urimai, said PN needed to make a positive impression on non-Malays, especially the Indians, to broaden its appeal beyond Malay voters.

“Before the election on May 11, PN leaders should come out to address some of the misgivings of the non-Malays towards the opposition.

“They should emphasise the point of ethnic inclusiveness in their approach to national politics,” he said in a statement.

Last week, Ramasamy said Urimai would advise voters against supporting the DAP candidate fielded by Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the Kuala Kubu Baharu polls, citing dissatisfaction with the unity government’s treatment of the Indian community.

He said Urimai’s primary task was to “teach a painful lesson to the PH-led Madani government”.

Ramasamy said then that there had been growing frustration among Indian voters over unmet promises and perceived insults from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In his statement today, he said PN should demonstrate respect and appreciation for the community by nominating an Indian candidate to represent the coalition in the polls.

He said this was also considering that Indians are the “most disadvantaged” people.

“If an Indian candidate is nominated by PN, it would make such an important impact on national politics in general and the Indian community in particular,” he said.

“Is PN ready to embrace national politics by making inroads into the Indian community?”

He added that while PN enjoys significant Malay support, it lacks sufficient backing from non-Malay communities, primarily due to distrust towards PAS and concerns about extremism.

“The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election presents a perfect opportunity for PN to get closer to the non-Malays, particularly the Indians,” he said.

Kuala Kubu Baharu, a seat in the Selangor state assembly, has been represented by an ethnic Chinese assemblyman since 2004. The incumbent for the last three terms was Lee Kee Hiong of DAP, who died recently of cancer.