DAP polls: Who would represent Indians with Kula bowing out?

As the date to DAP polls is drawing closer, party veteran M Kulasegaran announced that he is bowing out from the polls.

Party vice president and Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran had announced his withdrawal from DAP CEC polls on Feb 21.

The DAP polls is due to be held on March 16.

Given this situation, how is the Indian community which makes up the second biggest members in the DAP be represented?

Harapan Daily spoke to two political analysts regarding the subject matter.

Analysts take

Analysts Professor Dr James Chin of Tasmania University and Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi of University Malaya’s Malay Studies Academy are confident that the Indian community who have been through the thick and thin of the party would continue to be represented.

Chin pointed out that the party would allocate a spot for representative of the Indians.

“I won’t worry too much about Indian representation simply because some of the Indians will step up to contest the elections. The elections will only be held in March.

“We are not at the nomination stage yet but somebody else will definitely stand up.

“The way it works in DAP is they will always unofficially reserve one or two positions for the Indian community

Awang Azman meanwhile opined that established Indian leaders in the DAP will continue to be the voice of Indian Malaysians in the party.

“Established figures like Gobind Singh Deo—who has long been regarded as a key voice for Indian Malaysians within the party – are expected to continue playing that role,” said Awang Azman.

Rayer joins the race

In a related development, national DAP committee member RSN Rayer confirmed that he is contesting for a spot in the CEC.

Rayer is Jelutong MP and Penang Hindu Endowments Board chairman.

He is the second Penang DAP leader who confirmed that he would be contesting the party polls. Chow Kon Yeow is the first.

For the record the Indian representation in the current CEC is made up of Deputy Chairman Gobind Singh Deo, Vice Chairman M Kulasegaran, Deputy Secretary General V Sivakumar, Assistant Publicity Secretary V Ganabatirao, International Bureau Assistant Secretary P Kasthuriraani and Rayer.