JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — The Indian community is urged to play an important role in determining the country’s political direction by providing strong support to Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the Johor State Election (PRN) to ensure the continuation of a stable government, the CIVIL reform agenda and the economic development that the people are currently enjoying.
PKR Central Leadership Council member Dr Gunaraj George said that although the Indian community is a minority in Johor, their votes have strategic value and have the potential to be decisive in winning nearly 25 mixed State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats as well as marginal areas.
“This election is not just about electing representatives. It is a choice of whether we want to continue with political stability, reform and development that is currently yielding results, or return to political uncertainty that could affect the economy, investment and the future of the country.”
“Every vote from the Indian community is very meaningful. Although the number is not as large as other communities, its influence can determine victory in many important seats. I am confident that the Indian community will make the right choice by giving PH a mandate to continue the MADANI agenda for a more prosperous, inclusive and progressive Malaysia’s future,” he said in a statement today.
He said that while the world is still facing economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts and cost of living pressures, Malaysia needs a government that is stable, trustworthy and capable of fully focusing on economic growth, job creation and improving the well-being of the people.
“Political stability is not just a slogan, but the foundation for investor confidence, economic growth, the opening of more job opportunities and increased income for the people. The people want a government that continues to work and solve problems, not a country that is once again plagued by political uncertainty,” he said.
Gunaraj, who is also the Sentosa State Assemblyman (ADUN), said that after more than three and a half years of administration, the MADANI Government has proven its commitment through various policies and initiatives that benefit all citizens regardless of race, including the Indian community.
He said among the most significant achievements was the increase in allocation for the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) from RM100 million to RM150 million, after almost a decade of the amount remaining unchanged under the previous administration, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also given assurances that the amount would continue to be increased according to current needs.
“At the same time, MITRA’s management is now more transparent, open and responsible with the implementation of programmes and the use of funds being monitored more systematically and held accountable to Parliament,” he said.
Apart from that, he said the MADANI Government also increased allocations for Tamil National Type Schools (SJKT), provided assistance for the maintenance of houses of worship including temples, expanded the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, assisted students from low-income families, implemented the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) as well as empowered micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.
“At the same time, the government continues to strengthen the institutional reform agenda, improve governance, intensify efforts to combat corruption and implement more inclusive economic policies so that the benefits of development can be enjoyed by all levels of society,” he said.
Gunaraj said the people now have the opportunity to evaluate the MADANI Government based on its performance, record of achievements and the results of the work that has been carried out, rather than being influenced by political sentiment or rhetoric alone.
In the Johor state election which will be held on July 11, PH is contesting in all 56 Johor state assembly seats.
To get the latest news on the 16th Johor general election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor .
— BERNAMA
