I read a newspaper report recently which said that the Indians in Batu Talam will have 'no problem' in supporting BN for the coming by-election there. Let's not concoct a fairy tale.

I will give 10 good reasons why the Indians in Batu Talam should deny BN their votes.

After 50 years of independence under BN:

  • Indian schools are still not fully-aided by government.

  • The national equity share of Indians is at a standstill at 1.3% resulting in their very poor bargaining power.

  • No proper aid is given to the majority of Indians migrating from estates to towns.

  • There are no efforts by the government to control the consumption and sale of illegal samsu which is destroying the rural Indian communities.

  • Indian representation in the cabinet has dropped. They have also lost all credibility.

  • Pro-Indian political parties like PPP, MIC and IPF are badly fragmented.

  • BN leaders have done little to unite Indians under one roof. There are still there are caste-based associations where government leaders are the patrons.

  • Indians representation in the civil service has plunged. Indian civil servants holding key posts can no longer be found.

  • Under the BN, Indians are no longer the third-largest racial groups in the country. We are now a minority group and soon we will be eclipsed by the Indonesians.

  • Opportunities in private sectors favour more the Chinese and Malays; Indians are discriminated against.

    • To all the Indians in Batu Talam who make up 5.6 % of the electorate, send your protest loud and clear. Stay home on polling day and watch Astro Vanavil.