Stop bickering, focus on solutions for Indian community in KKB, says Santiago

Charles Santiago said leaders who were always attacking one another did not have the best interests of the community.

PETALING JAYA: Constant political mud-slinging is hindering the development of the Indian community in Kuala Kubu Baharu, says a former DAP MP.

Speaking to FMT, Charles Santiago said the Indian community in the area faced numerous issues which had been unresolved for decades – such as poverty, lack of job opportunities and inadequate housing.

The former three-time Klang MP said political leaders should focus on solving these issues instead of wasting time arguing with one another ahead of the May 11 by-election for the Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat.

“Instead of attacking each other, they should be focusing on solutions to problems faced by the Indian community there,” said Santiago.

“Make no mistake – the leaders who are frothing at the mouth do not have the best interests of the community. It’s a show of support to the government for vested interests and political longevity.”

Yesterday, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer called on former DAP assemblyman P Ramasamy and his allies to “stop their disgraceful antics” in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

Rayer also accused the Urimai chairman of trying to manipulate Kuala Kubu Baharu voters.

The DAP man also said Ramasamy would not be pushing voters to boycott Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the by-election if he were still the deputy Penang chief minister and if DAP had fielded him as a candidate in last year’s state election in Penang.

Ramasamy previously said Urimai had started a campaign to urge voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu, especially the Indians, to reject PH at the May 11 polls.

He said the call to snub PH was to teach the federal government a lesson as it had not fulfilled its promises.

PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil then called on Ramasamy to apply for Urimai to join Perikatan Nasional, a suggestion which Ramasamy brushed off.