JOHOR BARU: The Indian community has been called on to back Pakatan Harapan in the Johor state election to ensure political stability, the continuation of the Madani reform agenda, and sustained economic development.
PKR central leadership council member Gunaraj George said the Indian community, though a minority in Johor, could influence the outcome in nearly 25 mixed and marginal State Legislative Assembly seats.
"This election is not just about choosing an elected representative. It is a choice between maintaining political stability, reforms, and development that are yielding results or returning to political uncertainty that could jeopardise the economy, investments, and the nation's future.
"Every vote from the Indian community is highly significant. Even though the numbers are not as large as other communities, their influence can determine the outcome in many crucial seats.
"I am confident the Indian community will make the right choice by giving the mandate to Pakatan Harapan to continue the Madani agenda for a more prosperous, inclusive, and progressive Malaysia," he said in a statement on Thursday (July 2).
He said with current global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and rising living costs, Malaysia requires a stable and credible government focused on economic growth, job creation, and public well-being.
"Political stability is not mere sloganeering but the bedrock of investor confidence, economic growth, job creation, and rising incomes for the people. The people want a government that continues to work and resolve issues rather than a country again mired in political uncertainty," he said.
Gunaraj, who is also the Sentosa assemblyman, said that after more than three and a half years in office, the Madani Government has proven its commitment through policies and initiatives that benefit all citizens, regardless of race, including the Indian community.
He said one of the most significant achievements is the increase in the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) allocation from RM100mil to RM150mil after nearly a decade of remaining unchanged under previous administrations.
Furthermore, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured the amount will be progressively raised to meet current needs.
"At the same time, Mitra's management is now more transparent, open, and accountable, with programme implementation and fund use systematically monitored and answerable to Parliament," he said.
He said the Madani government has also increased allocations for Tamil National-Type Schools (SJKT), provided maintenance aid for places of worship including temples, expanded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, assisted students from low-income families, implemented Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash aid, and supported micro, small, and medium enterprises.
"Concurrently, the government continues to strengthen the institutional reform agenda, improve governance, intensify anti-corruption efforts, and implement more inclusive economic policies so the development benefits reach all segments of society," he said.
Gunaraj said voters can judge the Madani government based on its performance and track record.
Pakatan will contest all 56 state seats in the Johor state election on July 11. — Bernama
