‘Indian seats’ in Penang safe for DAP despite shift in voting trend

Independent political analyst M Periasamy stated that the Bagan Dalam and Perai seats in Penang should remain with DAP, even if elections were held soon. Despite recent trends in state elections showing that the Indian community has started rejecting Pakatan Harapan, Periasamy believes that both seats are secure for DAP. Penang's Bagan Dalam has 26.5% Indian voters, while Perai has 35.7%.

In the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections, Barisan Nasional gained ground in areas traditionally held by DAP. MIC secured four seats in Johor, while DAP lost Repah and Chennah in Negeri Sembilan, both of which were previously represented by Loke Siew Fook. Analysts suggested that PH's loss of non-Malay voters, including Indians, might be due to the consolidation of Malay votes under BN and Perikatan Nasional.

Periasamy highlighted that the Indian community's dissatisfaction lies with issues like unresolved historical land administration problems, quotas for pre-university matriculation, and the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra). He emphasized that the community has not lost trust in DAP but is concerned about education, economic opportunities, social mobility, and community empowerment.

Anwar Ibrahim needs to deliver on his promises to improve the socio-economic standing of the Indian community and ensure that Mitra becomes more proactive and accessible. DAP Youth vice-chief Harris Liinesh Selluandan acknowledged dissatisfaction on certain matters but urged the community to engage more consistently, especially with the younger generation, to ensure support for DAP remains strong.