Ganabatirau: Let's combat racial divisions played up by BN, PAS

Ganabatirau Veraman, who has just been named as DAP's candidate for Klang in the upcoming GE15, has called on the people to return a strong mandate to parties that will help the country move beyond the racially charged atmosphere.

The Kota Kemuning assemblyperson pointed out that BN and PAS were mainly behind these divisive racial sentiments.

"Many racial issues and discrimination have been happening around us recently. Most of these issues were purposely raised by BN and PAS to undermine the democratically elected Pakatan Harapan government in 2018.

"The death of firefighter (Muhammad) Adib (Mohd Kassim) who perished in the 2018 Seafield riots, the proposed ratifications of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) and the Rome Statute, UEC accreditation and many other issues were planned attacks.

"Adib's issue became a non-issue for the BN/PAS/Perikatan Nasional government. They failed to identify the real cause of his death and couldn't close the case till today. No further action has been taken. This is shameful!" Ganabatirau (above) said on Facebook today.

He added that none of these issues was resolved once Umno got its hands on power.

"Let's put a full stop to racial issues and discrimination through GE15. The mandate has been returned to the people to choose their future leaders who can best administer the country," he said.

Ganabatirau replaces Charles as DAP candidate

Ganabatirau's announcement as the DAP candidate for Klang was not without controversy as incumbent Charles Santiago was viewed as an independent, hard-working and capable MP who had served three terms since first winning in 2008.

Party sources reported that Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Ean Yong was also lobbying to take over and the issue touched a nerve on possible racial divisions within the party.

Ganabatirau said he was eager to get to work to serve the people.

"I promise that I will continue the great work done by our fellow comrades. We are not disagreeing with the dissolution (of Parliament), but we are unhappy with the timing of it as the monsoon season is approaching and many areas are already flooding.

"I personally experienced some of the worst floodings last year when the whole Sri Muda area was submerged in floods where many people were trapped in their houses without food, drinking water, electricity and medicine.

"The trauma is real and still haunting many of us and the poor management of the federal government must not be forgotten," he added.

Ganabatirau urged voters to think of the country’s future, their children and their community, and not to vote for those who are corrupt, opportunistic or keen to fan racial sentiments.

Outgoing Klang MP urges support for his successor

Charles overwhelmed by show of support amid GE15 candidacy drop talks

Tony Pua sits out GE15, Gobind to take his place in Damansara

DAP reshuffle: Bee Yin, Hong Pin, Gobind to contest in new seats

Despite supporters' demands, DAP may let Muda contest Tanjong Karang