Ambiga: Don't blame Manogaran for defeat in Cameron
Former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan has defended Pakatan Harapan candidate M Manogaran over the coalition's defeat in last Saturday's Cameron Highlands by-election.
She said the DAP man should not be blamed for the outcome and pointed out that he had been working in the constituency for years.
“Manogaran has been working tirelessly with the Orang Ali in Cameron Highlands for years. Working with no fanfare.
“He has helped many estate workers in legal cases through the years. Don't blame him for the loss,” she tweeted this afternoon.
Even before nomination day, Manogaran courted flak when he commented on the possibility of BN fielding Orang Asli candidate, Ramli Mohd Nor.
“BN's calculation is, they think… They really don’t understand. You see, the Malays don't even buy kuih from Orang Asli vendors. I don't think they will go all out and vote for an Orang Asli.
“The Malays will ask 'How come we don’t have a Malay candidate? How come you put an Orang Asli?' Chinese, Indians will not vote for the Orang Asli (as well),” he had told Malaysiakini.
Manogaran later apologised for his remarks.
On polling day, the Harapan candidate landed in trouble when he wore a shirt with the coalition's logo into a polling station, which led him to be escorted out by Election Commission officials.
He later apologised, claiming that he had worn the shirt without realising as he was in a rush.
However, electoral watchdog Bersih found the excuse to be flimsy, especially since Manogaran is a seasoned election campaigner and lawyer.
Yesterday, EC chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun said the commission has lodged a police report against the candidate.
Manogaran, who had contested the Cameron Highlands seat during two previous elections, was defeated by Ramli on Saturday in his third attempt to wrest the seat from BN.
Ramli won the seat with a majority of 3,238 votes after bagging 12,038 votes in total. Manogaran secured 8,800 votes.
Everything went wrong for PH, not only Manogaran. All the bright boys and girls of PH should collectively do a post mortem. Caliph Hadi and sidekicks from Dumno spewed the RR hatred. Why EC has not reported this to police? Is this allowed under the rules, or campaigning should be on policies for the people? This is a harbinger PH, watch-out!! Don't sit on your comfy butts engulfed in your new found power, pontificating this and that. Go feel what is ticking or not ticking for the common people on the ground, regardless of RR.
It is not Manogaran's fault. Those who are in the legal fraternity know how much of work he does for the needy and these are usually matters which are against the decision of State and Federal authorities which has not been fair to the common man on the street. We have now found out new freedoms in this so called New Malaysia after the 14 GE and the people seem to simply take it for granted. The fact is, there are many who still support the previous regime and its head honcho Ex PM Najib. Many are not bothered about corruption, taxes and national debt as long as their pay packet and family is not affected. All these types of people will usually come running to lawyers like Manogaran for help to take up their matters when all other doors and avenues are closed and they have become tired of falling at the feet of political Godfathers who they once had tirelessly supported.
Agreed. We should not blame Manogaran for loss. While PH or specially DAP selected him on merit, unfortunately the racial and religion issues played a more important part of the election, especially UMNO selected first time in history an Orang Asli as BN candidate. The racial composition of Cameron Highland and the use of fear factors in campaign proved to be winning card.