In the opposition corner will be DAP's P Ramasamy and PKR's Xavier Jayakumar, along with PSM's Dr Michael Jeyakumar who will also speak on the outlook for Indian Malaysians in the next general election.
Both sides will speak in separate moderated sessions to address how they have delivered on the community's promises and expectations after the 2008 'political tsunami'.
The 12th general election, touted as a watershed in political history, had seen the opposition sweep to power in five states and BN losing its long-held two-thirds majority in Parliament.This was partly attributed to the swing of Indian Malaysian votes towards Pakatan, following the massive 'Makkal Sakthi' or people-power movement activated by the Hindu Rights Action Force.
Promises made, promises kept?
Major questions at the forum will focus on whether Pakatan has kept its promises to the community and whether the BN has made good on its pledge to remedy weaknesses on welfare matters.While the BN has made several promises like the founding of a high-powered Indian task force to reinforce its renewed commitment to the welfare of the minority group, which comprises two million of the 27 million Malaysians.
“This is to take stock and compare what was promised and what was delivered, between what was part of the election manifesto in 2008 and the track record of delivery and public confidence,” said a statement from forum organiser, the Malaysian Indian Business Association.The forum will also feature Indian luminaries from civil society and business community, with their own assessment of the community.
The A-list includes former trade unionist N Siva Subramaniam, businessman Pardip Kumar Kukreja, ex-ISA detainee V Ganabathirau and social activist lawyer K Arumugam.
Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/174840
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