Tuesday May 7, 2013

GE13: Barisan has regained Indian support, says Assoc Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian

By A. LETCHUMANAN
letchu@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional obtained better results due to Indian support despite the rejection from the Chinese community, political scientist Assoc Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia said.

He said Barisan would not have won in several areas if the Indians had not voted for the coalition's candidates.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's efforts were the main reason the community supported Barisan, he added.

Dr Sivamurugan said MIC managed to retain four out of its nine parliamentary seats although it also hoped for wins in Sungai Siput and Teluk Kemang.

The party also contested in 18 state seats but only managed to win five - three in Johor and one each in Malacca and Negri Sembilan.

“Overall, nothing much has changed for MIC as it took a third of the 27 seats contested,” he said.

Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said the Barisan component parties, especially MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP, fared badly in GE13.

“There should be a review of Barisan as the component parties seem to be a political liability for Umno,” he said, adding that MIC's performance was the worst in its history.

“The urban swing was significant and MIC must review its relevance,” he said, adding that the party needed a new breed of leaders who were in touch with the grassroots.

He said Indian candidates from the Opposition managed to do well, especially those from DAP.

“Their leaders must oversee the effective execution of Pakatan's action plan for Indians.

“They must ensure they make a difference in the Pakatan states of Penang and Selangor,” said Dr Denison.

For more election stories, please visit The Star's GE13 site

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Tuesday May 7, 2013

GE13: Barisan has regained Indian support, says Assoc Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian

By A. LETCHUMANAN letchu@thestar.com.my

By A. LETCHUMANAN
letchu@thestar.com.my