Race, religion to dominate Ayer Kuning by-election

Race and religion which makes up two thirds of 3R issues are likely to dominate Ayer Kuning by-election, analysts predict.

Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian pointed out that PN may drum up support for the construction of the proposed new mosque on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, while MIC’s M Saravanan will highlight the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple and the gazetting of its new site.

“Each side will try to play up the issues for political mileage. The authorities will need to step in if sentiments escalate — to prevent polarisation,” Sivamurugan said, reported FMT.

Ayer Kuning is a state constituency within Tapah where Saravanan is the MP. Indian voters make up 14.3 percent of the voters there/

“The decision to relocate the temple with the consent of all parties, including the temple committee, has defused the situation to a certain extent.

“Saravanan’s involvement in the resolution will likely resonate with voters,” said the USM based scholar.

James Chin of Tasmania University meanwhile pointed out that local issues takes precedence however there is a general unease among non-Malay voters, especially over a case of a 65 year old Malay man slapping a non Muslim Chinese for eating in the public.

Even though the public has grown desensitised to such incidents, such cases still possess the ability to sway opinions.

“Although the temple issue may not escalate further, the slapping incident is another reminder of unresolved tensions,” he added.

Paniirselvam Jayaraman from the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia pointed out that minor Indian vote swing can influence results.

A veteran politician who asked not to be named warned that the Indian community was “profoundly dissatisfied” with the government.

He said the temple issue would likely further compound that dissatisfaction.

“I am not sure how this particular issue would impact the outcome of the upcoming by-election. It could dissuade Indian voters from coming out to cast their ballots,” he said.

Even if they do, their vote may not be for the government, the politician added.

“Many in the community feel that they have been taken for granted.”

He also pointed out that the manner in which the temple has been resolved has left a bitter taste to the community.

“The community is extremely disappointed and hurt and they are just waiting to express this disappointment,” the politician said.

The Ayer Kuning by-election is scheduled to be held on April 26. Nominations are on April 12 and early voting on April 22.

The by-election was triggered by the death of the incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin of Umno, on Feb 22.