Die Hard Indian Supporters Feel Neglected Pm Told

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously dismissed claims that his administration had sidelined the Indian community. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: A DAP MP has urged the government to address concerns of Indian voters who have been strong supporters of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, warning that they feel increasingly neglected.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) said the government must act swiftly to maintain trust and support from the Indian community.
“Lately, the Indian community in Malaysia, especially die-hard (Anwar) supporters, have voiced their concerns.
“I worry that these voters, who fully support (Anwar), may feel that Indian-related matters are not getting the attention they deserve,” he said while debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat.
Several quarters, particularly from the opposition, have claimed that support for the government among Indian voters is waning, citing issues such as the failure to increase the annual allocation for Mitra, the special unit set up to address the socio-economic development of the community, as an example.
The community was a key voting bloc in the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election in May last year, with both sides heavily courting its support.
In May last year, Anwar said the various initiatives aimed at empowering the Indian community prove that they have never been sidelined by the government when dismissing claims that Putrajaya had not helped the community.
Rayer also urged the federal government to fund a cable car project linking the base of the waterfall hill to the hilltop temple in Penang, citing the difficulties faced by elderly Thaipusam devotees who currently have to climb over 500 steps.
He further called for financial aid for temples under the Penang Hindu Endowments Board to support their maintenance and activities.
“Penang, as the prime minister’s birthplace and one of his strongest support bases, must see that his government is serious about tackling issues affecting the people, particularly the Hindu Indian community,” he said.
The DAP lawmaker also urged the federal government to speed up the completion of several unfinished Tamil schools, including SJKT Sungai Bakap, SJKT Ladang Jeram (Pahang), and SJKT Ladang Ketumbar (Kedah).
Beyond concerns of the Indian community, Rayer pushed for an expansion of the Jelutong Jamek Mosque, which he said was overcrowded during Friday prayers.
He also called for immediate upgrades to the Perak Road fire station and health clinics across Penang, saying they desperately needed better facilities. - FMT

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