The Melaka DAP Indian Bureau has been set up to ensure grassroot work is successful

 The Melaka DAP Indian Bureau has been set up to ensure grassroot work is successful 

I was pleased to speak to over 50 DAP grassroot members yesterday at a 3-hour meeting at the Melaka DAP headquarters.

Leaders that were also present at the meeting were former Exco member G.Saminathan, Datuk Tey Kok Kiew, YB Leng Chau Yen (Bandar Hilir) and YB Gunasegaran. 

Were were to formalise the new bureau, the Melaka DAP Indian Bureau. 

The members present were excited of the formation of this bureau and they expressed their support for this bureau as it gives an avenue for the Indians especially those who prefer to speak in Tamil an avenue to express their views freely. 

It will also serve as an avenue to place cultural issues in the forefront.

I emphasised the need for us to conduct more grassroot activities. 

We need to take heed from our bad loss at the recent Melaka state elections and drop in support from Indians. This is why the bureau was also pivotal. 

We need to revamp, rebuild and regain the confidence from the Indians again. I understand that Indians are suffering and still reeling from the Pandemic, and they might make their decisions based on that. 

We established that one of the main reasons for that loss was due to the poor turnout of voters due to the Covid19 pandemic. 

Furthermore, the government of the day successfully used the 3M strategy (Money, Government Machinery and the Media) to their advantage. We were also handicapped due to the restriction to reach out to the voters, as public rallies were not allowed. 

I mentioned to those in attendance that when PH was in Government, we were able to start the prosecution of those who have committed criminal wrongdoings, especially some notable UMNO leaders. If not for the PH Government, the crimes these leaders committed would be swept under the carpet. 

I mentioned that I was thankful to Saminathan, as although he lost in the state election, he has picked himself up and wants to be around to fight to win back support, assist in the constituency and continue his public service. 

These kind of leaders are exemplary and we need them to champion the Indian issues in Melaka. 

With the PH government, we also managed to get rid of GST. 

We reduced the price of petrol and tolls. 

We not only raised the minimum wage to RM1,200 we implemented the most logical system to increase the minimum wage gradually every year so that businesses can manage the rise in wages. 

We started the Projek Perumahan Pekerja Sungai Siput for estate workers there to own homes at affordable rates. 

Saminathan also mentioned more than 20 achievements during the PH government, which includes;

Getting approval for a special location to scatter ash of the deceased

Many high profile appointments of Indians like CEOs of GLCs, communication officers and councilors. 

Organised a meet the people session every two weeks. 

Implement unrecorded leave for Indians during Pongal. 

Set up Tamil signboard at tourist areas.

Give out state awards to successful Indians as recognition. 

Organise a Deepavali carnival. 

Dialogue session with temple committees to discuss about the Hindu Endowment Board. 

Got approval to build a primary Tamil school in Jasin lalang. 

Got the approval to build an arc in Little India and strive to get a Indian museum and many other achievements. 

I am confident with these leaders, we can do more for the people and win back their support. The fight continues. 

M. Kula Segaran, MP Ipoh Barat

9th April 2022