KKB by-election: Calls for Indian voters to boycott irresponsible

Preakas

SHAH ALAM – The action of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) urging Indian voters to boycott and spoil votes in the Kuala Kubu Baharu State Assembly by-elections is deemed irresponsible and detrimental to the community.

Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan said the action did not contribute to resolving the issues faced by the Indian community; instead, it only weakens their voice in the administration of the country.

He said the NGO should not drag the Indian community into sabotaging the by-election.

“If individuals (in the NGO) do not want to participate in the democratic process, that is their right, just as when they support extremist and irresponsible parties.

“Do not influence Indian voters to surrender their rights to such parties,” he said in a statement on Friday.

Previously, reports claimed that an NGO attempted to persuade Indian voters to boycott the Kuala Kubu Baharu State Assembly by-elections.

In this regard, Preakas said that Selangor was the only state government under the unity government that provides the most assistance to all layers of society.

He said the state government’s initiatives include assistance to Indian Entrepreneurs Equipment Selangor (I-SEED), aid to Tamil schools, biscuits, and the Elderly Friendly Scheme (SMUE).

He added that the federal government has announced an additional RM30 million fund to empower Indian women in business, the Malaysian Indian Transformation Programme (MITRA), and so on.

“As a representative of the state and a member of the Indian community, I strongly reject statements suggesting that the Madani Government neglects Indian constituents.

“I urge all Indian voters to come out and fulfil their responsibilities as citizens by voting in this by-election,” he said.

He said every citizen, including Indians, is entrusted with the responsibility to vote to nurture the democratic process in the country.

“Voting is our right and responsibility and by voting, we can ensure that our voices are heard, and our community’s interests are protected.

“(If) we do not vote, it only gives opportunities to extremist parties to win, which would have far worse consequences for the Indian community.

“We must show our strength through the votes we cast and reject extremist tendencies,” he added.

He also expressed confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani Government’s efforts to address the issues faced by the Indian community.

“We should give them the opportunity and time to implement the necessary changes.

“I urge all Indian voters in the Kuala Kubu Baharu State Assembly by-election to come out and vote,” he said.