PR state Governments must do more for Indian Voters

My speech at the dialogue session with DAP Negeri Sembilan Indian leaders and members in Kuala Pilah on Tuesday, December 28, 2010.

Tenang by election is most likely the last by election before the nation sees a snap poll as signs are getting clearer that the prime minister is seriously thinking about dissolving the parliament in March or April next year. There has also been speculation that the snap poll may be held in the second quarter of next year.

I am more inclined to believe that it will be held in the first quarter of next year. This leaves us with only 3 months to make all out preparation for the snap polls. Undoubtedly, the coming general election is the most important and crucial election in the nation’s political and electoral history.

In all past elections, no political commentator or analyst would view with seriousness the question of whether the BN government could be toppled. In fact, not many would even think that BN could ever lose its two thirds parliamentary majority seats.

But the political tsunami in the last general election has changed the political landscape and thinking in the country. Now, even BN leaders have said they cannot take power and the people’s support for granted. Some have even said that without reforms, BN can be toppled. But has BN reformed?

Despite all the emphasis on the 1 Malaysia concept, BN government is still unable to ensure that there will be an equal place for all Malaysians under the Malaysian sun. BN can and will make cosmetic changes but it is like a political dinausor which is unable to make significant changes.
BN has too much political inertia and too little political will. BN can talk about the need to change , but in reality, it cannot change or change much.

Hence, for Malaysians who have yearned for changes which will Malaysia a better place for all, their option is to vote for Pakatan Rakyat. The Indian voters who have played their kingmaker role in the last general election must therefore rise to the occasion again to bring about a new federal government. PR must therefore reach out to the Indian community and PR state governments must do more for the Indian voters.

PR must do its utmost to convince the Indian community that PR is their beacon of hope for a better Malaysia for all Malaysians, especially the Indians who have been long been marginalized under the BN rule.