Take the lead in resolving Indian issues, PM Anwar told

A former PKR leader wants Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR to take the lead in resolving issues concerning the Indian community in Malaysia.

Ex-PKR deputy secretary general S Raveentharan said that there is a dire need to focus on the B60 working class Indians since the community leaders are split and not effective in carrying out their responsibilities.

As a result of that, the support given to the needy would be affected, added Raveentharan.

On that note, he praised Penang PKR chief Nurul Izzah Anwar’s visit to Little India in Georgetown, Penang.

“I thank Nurul (Izzah) for coming but a visit to mark the coming Deepavali celebrations is inadequate. Help must be accorded in both good and bad times,” said Raveentharan.

He also pointed out the displeasure against the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, as an example, that he said Nurul must look into.

Elaborating further, he said that the current parties with Indian membership have their own issues that keeps them away from the Indian community issues.

Too many cooks spoil the soup

The latest party in Penang to represent the interest is Urimai that is led by former deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy.

He pointed out that this would translate Indian votes becoming more heated and competitive.

This is reflected by the lukewarm Indian voter turnout in the recent Sungai Bakap and Mahkota state seat by-election.

There are at least seven Indian based parties representing the community at present.

“It may be the case of too many cooks spoiling the soup but someone needs to take the lead over Indian issues.”

And it must be perpetuated by political parties, not civil societies or academia, as there must be a strong will to find the right tonic to appease the dissatisfaction among the community, said Raveentharan.

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is an example of a prime minister who took the lead to resolve issues of the Indian community as he dished out aid directly, by bypassing the various Indian parties in his coalition during his time in office.

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