Ramasamy: Little-to-lose Indians ahead but Chinese not far behind

Indian Malaysians are ahead of Chinese Malaysians with regard to making decisive political moves, according to former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy.

He said the Chinese, particularly those from the middle and upper classes, are more cautious.

“Economically, they have more at stake compared to the Indians, many of whom belong to the working class. In other words, Chinese communities face greater financial risks in the event of a political upheaval.

“Indians, on the other hand, have more to gain by experimenting with new political alliances,” he added in a statement.

However, Ramasamy (above), who now leads the Indian-based Urimai party, said once the Chinese commit to a decision, they too are open to change, especially if it promises improvement, much like the Indians.

Historically, the political science professor said the Indian community shifted its support to the opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat (Pakatan Harapan’s predecessor), well before the Chinese began to turn their backs on BN and its component parties, MCA and Gerakan.

“For the past 15 years, Indians gave their support to DAP and PKR within the Harapan coalition.

“However, in the 2023 state election, a noticeable shift occurred as Indians began to distance themselves from DAP and PKR,” he added.

In recent by-elections, Ramasamy, a former DAP leader himself, said the lack of Indian support for Harapan was evident, signalling what may become a continuing political trend.

“Frustration and disillusionment with Harapan and its component parties have grown within the Indian community,” he added.

Ramasamy said the Chinese are yet to fully abandon the Harapan coalition, though their frustration is also rising.

“During the Sungai Bakap by-election, the Chinese community expressed their discontent by abstaining from voting.

“Like the Indians, the Chinese feel increasingly abandoned by the Harapan coalition. DAP has been criticised as a ‘paper tiger’ for failing to confront the divisive politics of Umno.

“Despite insults from extremist leaders like Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh against the Chinese community, the DAP chose to retreat,” he said.

Chinese just as displeased

In the upcoming Mahkota by-election on Sept 28, Ramasamy said the support of both Chinese and Indian voters would be crucial for the success of Umno candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah.

“However, the question remains: Are Chinese and Indian voters willing to back those who have marginalised them?

“Sources from Johor suggest that Indian voters are either planning to boycott or vote against the Umno candidate. Chinese voters are similarly displeased with the expectation to support Umno, especially after enduring years of Umno’s racially charged politics.

“It appears that the trend set by Indian voters in 2023 - distancing themselves from both Harapan and BN - will continue. Indians seem to be leading the charge in abandoning the larger coalitions, while the Chinese, though cautious, may soon follow,” Ramasamy said.

“While the Chinese community’s economic interests are significant, at a critical juncture, they too may prioritise their self-respect and dignity over political alliances.

“Indians may take the lead in abandoning Umno, but the Chinese are not far behind,” he added.

Syed Hussien is in a straight fight against Perikatan Nasional candidate Haizan Jaafar for the state seat in Johor.

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