Ayer Kuning By-Election: Issues of Race, Religion and Royalty Take Centre Stage
PETALING JAYA: Analysts say issues of race, religion, and royalty will likely dominate the Ayer Kuning by-election, with the recent Hindu temple dispute and a slapping incident in Johor expected to take centre stage.
Sivamurugan Pandian, from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), said both Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional are expected to leverage these issues to their advantage. He noted that PN may drum up support for the construction of the proposed new mosque on Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, while MIC’s M Saravanan will highlight the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple and the gazetting of its new site.
Local Issues Take Priority
While national matters will be amplified during the campaign, residents are expected to focus on bread-and-butter issues, such as the cost of living, employment, education, health, and infrastructure.
Sivamurugan said Indian voters make up approximately 14.3% of the electorate in Ayer Kuning, a state seat in the Tapah parliamentary constituency of which Saravanan is the MP. He noted that the matter remains sensitive but may lose some traction following the compromise reached.
Potential Indian Voter Swing
Paniirselvam Jayaraman from the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia said Indian voters could play a decisive role given the split in the Malay vote between PN and BN. He noted that past elections have shown how small swings in Indian votes can determine the winner.
Conclusion
The Ayer Kuning by-election is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both sides vying for the support of the electorate. While the temple issue has been resolved, the manner in which it was handled has left a bitter taste, and the slapping incident has sparked unease among non-Malay voters. The outcome of the by-election remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Indian community is profoundly dissatisfied with the government, and their dissatisfaction may yet impact the outcome of the election.
FAQs
Q: What are the key issues in the Ayer Kuning by-election?
A: Issues of race, religion, and royalty, particularly the Hindu temple dispute and the slapping incident in Johor, are expected to dominate the campaign.
Q: How will the Indian community vote?
A: Indian voters make up approximately 14.3% of the electorate, and their votes could play a decisive role in the outcome of the election. However, the community is profoundly dissatisfied with the government, and their dissatisfaction may impact the outcome of the election.
Q: What are the implications of the temple issue for the by-election?
A: The temple issue has been resolved, but the manner in which it was handled has left a bitter taste, and the community is still waiting to express its disappointment. This may impact the outcome of the election, particularly among Indian voters.