SUNGAI SIPUT – The entire Malaysian Indian community, particularly grassroots supporters of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), was left stunned following the unexpected defeat of Sungai Siput Member of Parliament, S. Kesavan, in the race for the PKR Sungai Siput Division Chief post.
Kesavan, who recently rose to national prominence in Parliament for his unwavering defense of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during several fiery debates, was considered a strong figure within the PKR political landscape. However, in this divisional election, he lost to Perak PKR Deputy Information Chief K. Novinthen by a narrow margin – just 32 votes separated the two candidates.
According to the official results announced by the Central Election Committee (JPP), Novinthen secured 389 votes, while Kesavan garnered 357. A total of 901 members of the Sungai Siput PKR division were eligible to vote in this round of elections.
Kesavan’s defeat, after serving two terms as the division chief, sparked various reactions within the Indian community. Many described it as a major blow to a leader known for fearlessly voicing the people’s concerns in the Dewan Rakyat.
“I’m honestly shocked. Kesavan is the voice of Indian Malaysians in Parliament, yet he lost at the grassroots level. The message is clear – members want change,” said a PKR member who wished to remain anonymous.
In response, Novinthen described his victory as a significant mandate and pledged to strengthen the division’s leadership structure.
“This mandate will be fully utilised to bring a new breath of leadership, with an emphasis on transparency, reform, and party unity. I will also ensure all party wings, including the grassroots, are empowered as we prepare for the 16th General Election (GE16),” he told Bernama.
Political observers see this result as a clear signal that internal dynamics within PKR are shifting. In an increasingly competitive political arena, no position is safe – not even for an active and vocal Member of Parliament like Kesavan.
Is this the end of Kesavan’s influence at the division level? Or the beginning of a new strategy towards GE16?
The people are watching.