TTF: Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim made it a point to highlight late last night that the Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Rantau state seat, Dr S. Streram, was Indian (see news item below).
One possible explanation is that the PKR president was insinuating that it is rare for his party to field Indian candidates.
Either that, or he himself is somehow ashamed of the Indian community.
Given that Indians account for 27 per cent of the voter population in Rantau, the idea that one needs to explain to the people why an Indian “needs to be given a chance” is absurd, makes no sense whatsoever and is a reflection of the innermost demons that’re probably clouding Anwar’s judgment.
Unless the PKR president has evidence that Streram was dismissed by the Malay community, his claim that the people were ‘shunning’ Streram just because the latter is Indian is a clear manifestation of his own slant against the community.
There is a saying, that what you choose to say is almost always a reflection of your innermost tendencies no matter how remote that connection may be.
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that Rantau voters will not let Dr S. Streram’s race be an issue in the coming by-election and that they will see him for the work he has done.
Anwar told reporters after a gathering at Taman Sri Ramai tonight that the Pakatan Harapan candidate has decades of experience helping the people as a doctor.
“He’s been all over the world, including Afghanistan and Sudan helping Muslims in war and turmoil so it isn’t any different here,” he said.
“Why are we shunning him just because he is an Indian? Lest we forget all the good work he has done for the people and will continue to do.”
When asked how he felt Dr Streram’s popularity has grown in the four days since the campaign period started, Anwar said: “Well, Streram’s worked in this constituency for years.”
“After the previous elections he’s been on the ground a lot, I ask him for status reports every time to monitor his progress. You can’t compare it with Tok Mat who’s had 15 years,” he said, referring to Barisan Nasional candidate, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is vying for his fourth term as Rantau assemblyman.
Anwar, said he is looking at developing the surrounding areas of Port Dickson, including Rantau
He said they are looking at widening their scope of development to include new housing and better vocational training.
The Rantau by-election will take place on April 13 and see a four-way fight between Dr Streram, Mohamad and two independent candidates, Malar Rajaram and Mohd Nor Yasin.
Adapted from:
