JOHOR BARU: The Indian community in Johor should evaluate their choices in the upcoming state election based on the performance and track record of Pakatan Harapan (PH) under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says Dr Gunaraj George (pic).
The PKR central leadership council member said the unity government had brought a renewed sense of "Nambikei" or confidence to Malaysians of all backgrounds, including the Indian community, through the Malaysia Madani agenda, which emphasised unity, justice and equal opportunities.
Gunaraj urged the Indian community not to be influenced by old political tactics that relied on empty promises and rhetorical sentiments, but instead assess policies and initiatives that had been implemented.
"The Prime Minister has remained consistent in his struggle to break down the racial barriers that have long shaped the country's political landscape.
"Since his early involvement in politics, he has carried the vision that Malaysia's strength lies in unity, justice and equal opportunities for all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or background," he said in a statement Wednesday (July 8).
Gunaraj said the Prime Minister believed that Malaysia's increasingly mature and complex aspirations could no longer be addressed through race-based politics alone, but required a political approach centred on policies, performance and solutions to the people's problems.
"Guided by that principle, Anwar continues to uphold the Malaysia Madani agenda as the foundation for building a more inclusive, progressive and united nation," he said.
He said under Anwar's leadership, the unity government had introduced various initiatives aimed at improving the people's living standards, including efforts to address the cost of living, strengthen education, expand employment opportunities, empower entrepreneurs and enhance the social safety net.
Gunaraj said that over the past three years, the government had implemented several measures benefitting the Indian community, including reforms to the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA), with an additional RM50mil allocation on top of its existing RM100mil allocation.
"In addition, the Tekun Nasional entrepreneur fund aimed at empowering Indian entrepreneurs has been increased to RM100mil, while RM100mil has been allocated to Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) to empower women entrepreneurs.
"In January, the Prime Minister announced RM50mil for the development of Tamil schools. These were among the historic measures undertaken by the Madani Government, with many Indian entrepreneurs benefiting from the initiatives," he said.
Gunaraj said the Indian community had also benefitted from various socio-economic development programmes, educational assistance, skills training and entrepreneurial opportunities that had a positive impact on the community's well-being.
In this regard, he said the Johor state election was the best opportunity for the people to determine the state's future direction by electing a government with a proven track record in driving development, ensuring stability and improving the people's well-being.
He said the Indian community had become more mature in making political choices, evaluating parties based on their track record and policies that delivered meaningful benefits.
"The Indian community needs to move forward with PH. It is time for us to make choices based on what has been implemented, not on perceptions or unfulfilled promises. The Indian community can judge for themselves," he said.
PH is contesting all 56 state seats in the 16th Johor state election, with 20 candidates from PKR, 19 from Amanah and 17 from DAP. - Bernama
For the latest news on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://elections.thestar.com.my/.
