PN will not sideline Indians after GE15 victory - Azmin

Perikatan Nasional (PN) will not sideline efforts to empower the Indian community if the coalition succeeds in forming the federal government after the 15th general election (GE15).

Ahead of the Deepavali celebrations tomorrow, PN information chief Azmin Ali said the coalition will not forget sacrifices made by the Indian community for the country.

“The Indians have made many contributions to the nation’s development, from socioeconomic, education, and bringing prosperity to our beloved Malaysia.

“PN is committed to the welfare of the Indians to ensure they develop alongside the Shared Prosperity Vision,” he added.

The senior minister for international trade and industry was speaking at an event to distribute Deepavali assistance in his constituency of Gombak.

“I give my commitment that no Indians will be sidelined under PN’s administration,” said Azmin, who expressed hope that Indian voters in Gombak, as well as across all other seats, will continue to support PN in GE15.

Earlier today, Bersatu associate wing committee member Vasantha Kumar expressed unhappiness over the possibility there would be no Indian candidates from PN for parliamentary seats in Selangor.

Vasantha - one of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders detained under the now-repealed Internal Security Act in 2007 - claimed Gerakan is likely to field all Chinese candidates in up to four seats typically contested by Indian candidates from Harapan and BN in past elections.

Meanwhile, Azmin, who indicated intentions to defend his Parliament seat, also said close to RM1 million has been spent for Indian voters in Gombak this year.

The former PKR deputy president turned Bersatu supreme council member previously said he would go so far as to defend the “traitor seat” - as labelled by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim - against the Harapan chief or any of his family members.

Anwar has since announced his candidacy for the Tambun Parliament seat in Perak, while his daughter, Nurul Izzah, is speculated to defend her Permatang Pauh Parliament seat in Penang.

In GE14, Azmin defeated BN’s Abdul Rahim Pandak Kamaruddin and PAS’ Khairil Nizam Khirudin with a majority of 48,721 out of 141,112 total votes in Gombak.

The Gombak seat at the time comprised 77 percent Malay voters, followed by 11 percent Chinese, 11 percent Indians, and one percent others.

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