United front: Amirudin (centre) and Santiago (blue checkered shirt) during the gathering with Malaysian Indian leaders at Midlands Convention Centre in Shah Alam. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
SHAH ALAM: It is critical for Pakatan Harapan to win the upcoming state election to ensure continued economic stability and recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, says caretaker Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the state government is in the process of rebuilding the economy following the pandemic, and urged voters to continue with their support for the coalition.
Addressing about 250 leaders of Indian non-governmental organisations and civil society groups here yesterday in an event organised by the Selangor Indian Consultative Council (SICC), Amirudin claimed that the opposition was out to create instability, and are attempting to gain mileage by stoking the fire of racism.
He further claimed that the non-Malays in the opposition coalition are being exploited and receive second-class treatment as he urged the Indian community to come out in full force to support the Pakatan government on Aug 12.
SICC chairman Charles Santiago said it was crucial for Indians to support and ensure the Pakatan government wins if they desire a secure future. He said in more than half the constituencies in Selangor, Indians make up about 10% of voters.
Santiago said the opposition had gone overboard when it even questioned the citizenship of the non-Malays.
He praised the Selangor government for its constant support and the various forms of aid it had extended to the Indian community.
“Even our identity is under attack by the opposition parties. Hence, I appeal to Indian voters to save Malaysia. We must win by two-thirds. We have the support of at least 60% of Indian voters currently and if we get over 80%, then we will be the changemakers or kingmakers.
“We are a small population but we can do big things. We must support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar (Ibrahim) and Amirudin. They may not be perfect, but they have taken the time to listen to our problems and shown commitment to come up with solutions,” he said.
