‘Kerusi India’ di P Pinang selamat buat DAP di sebalik perubahan trend undi

A political analyst predicts that DAP may retain the Bagan Dalam and Perai seats in Penang, which have a large Indian voter base, if elections were held soon. These seats, historically considered Indian strongholds, are now facing a shift as the PRN (Parti Rakyat Negara) has shown gains in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, traditionally DAP strongholds.

MIC recently took four seats in Johor, while DAP lost Repah and Chennah in Negeri Sembilan, under Loke Siew Fook. Despite these losses, Bagan Dalam and Perai are expected to remain safe seats for DAP due to the mixed Malay vote, partly attributed to the BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) consolidating Malay votes. The analyst, M Periasamy, acknowledges that Kuala Lumpur Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's handling of issues like colonial land disputes, pre-university quota schemes, and the India Malaysia Transformation Unit (Mitra) has disappointed Indian voters.

However, he believes that Indian support for PH remains strong. Periasamy also notes a genuine concern and disappointment among certain segments of Indian society regarding education, economic opportunities, social mobility, and community empowerment. He stresses the need for more meaningful progress and immediate results at the grassroots level.

Anwar must continue to fulfill his commitments to improve educational standards and address socioeconomic issues affecting Indian communities. Mitra needs to be more proactive, accessible, and approachable, while also strengthening grassroots engagement, effectively communicating its programs, and ensuring support reaches individuals and organizations adequately.

DAP and PH need to continue engaging with the community, listening to their concerns, and demonstrating results. Support cannot be assumed; it must be earned through service, reform, and execution. DAP and PH must persistently approach the community, particularly the younger generation, to consistently hear their voices, understand their aspirations, and provide meaningful opportunities for their involvement in politics and decision-making.