Indian Malaysians made up only 10.5 percent of the Penang's registered 672,361 voters in 2004, but could well determine how candidates fare in the next general election.

Their votes could prove crucial in deciding the outcome in at least 18 state and five federal seats in Penang, which has 40 state and 13 parliamentary seats.

Ironically, many Indians do not appear to have realised this - a situation compounded by their 'invisibility' in opposition eyes thus far.

An analysis reveals that the opposition in Penang had received between five and 10 percent of Indian votes in 1995, 1999 and 2004 general elections.

Penang DAP secretary Danny Law Heng Kiang said his party aims to improve this to between 15 and 20 percent in the next election, as the votes will be decisive in marginal seats.

DAP and PKR have declared that Penang will be their frontline state in the next general election and feel confident of capturing the state government with the right strategy and game plan.

However, besides securing a large chunk of the Chinese and Malay vote banks, the opposition parties including PAS will have to capture the imagination of Indian voters to realise their dream.

Traditionally opposition parties have garnered at least 40 percent of the urban vote, largely from the Chinese community. Over the past two general elections, they have also managed to make inroads into Malay-dominated constituencies, thanks to the emergence of PKR.

An Indian NGO leader, who declined to be named, said the community has traditionally voted in the Barisan Nasional (BN) for various reasons.

He cited their loyalty to Indian-based party MIC, the efficient BN election machinery, practice of 'money politics' and the submissive character of Indian voters who are also ignorant of political reality.

Other factors include the lack of "charismatic opposition Indian leaders" and the absence of a strategy that appeals to Indian voters, he said.

"Indians should realise that their loyalty has not paid off. A switch would be the ideal way of sending a message to all political parties not to take Indians for granted," he added.

'Change attirude'

Malaysian Voters Union spokesperson BK Ong claimed that, unlike the BN, the opposition had always overlooked the importance of the Indian vote.

"It's time the opposition changes this attitude," he said.

Change indeed is what the Penang DAP aims to achieve this time around.

"We will outline the right strategy to win over Indian votes," said Law.

However, the perceived absence of charismatic Indian politicians will not be easily overcome in the short term.

The death of DAP strongman P Patto led to this vacuum in DAP. Although national chairman Karpal Singh, his son Jagdeep Singh Deo, A Thanasekharan and SN Rayar will contest the next election, they are not easily recognised as grassroots leaders in the mould of Patto.

"We are looking for a Indian leader with a strong grassroots link. It will take time. Between now and then, we will have to move with leaders at our disposal," said Law.

PKR's Cheah Kah Peng suggested that the opposition could reach out to Indians by playing up issues such as religious conversion, the government's lukewarm attitude towards Tamil education and demolition of Hindu temples.

"Although we lack accessibility to the media, opposition parties need to explore other ways and means to touch Indian hearts and minds," he said.

Cheah is likely to be the opposition candidate if PKR gets to contest the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat.

Speculation is growing over a snap election being called this year, although the government's mandate does not expire until 2009.