The Indian community can be the determining force in the upcoming 13th general election although the community is not the majority in any parliamentary or state constituency, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
In fact, the prime minister said, Indians had a big role because their percentage as voters in most constituencies could be the determinant in any of them.
"We saw the dismal performance of the Barisan Nasional (BN) in 2008, and among the factors was the Indian community's reduced support for the BN.
"But I believe this situation has been reversed. There are a number of factors ... we have done studies, there is the reality factor and the emotions factor. We (now) see that the Indian community has more confidence in the BN.
"For example, in Selangor, no (Hindu) temple was demolished by the BN, but the (Pakatan) state government has taken action against some temples, including private ones."
The prime minister said this in a special interview in the Tamil edition of BernamaTV's 'Hello Malaysia' programme tonight. The interview was conducted by Bernama journalists Michael Savarimuthu and K. Ghandi.
On the Indian community's support for the BN, he said the Indian voters could ensure the BN's overall victory, especially in states like Selangor, Perak, Penang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Kedah.
Najib said he was touched that parties like the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) and non-governmental organisations representing the Indian community were not only supporting but also working to ensure a win for the BN in this general election.
On some among the Indian community being supportive of the prime minister but lacking confidence in the MIC, he said the people must realise that this dilemma could be overcome by supporting anyone chosen as a BN candidate, as he or she was also a candidate from his (Najib's) team.
"Ours is a system of parliamentary democracy. My name is not on the ballot papers but those who represent me in certain areas are representatives from the MIC.
"Therefore, they must regard the MIC candidates as part of my team. If they want me to continue leading the country as the prime minister, they must support the BN candidates," he said.
According to Najib, what was important were not certain individuals but the party which would be forming the government and the person who would be appointed the prime minister.
On his meeting with Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) leaders recently, Najib said he was satisfied with their first meeting and he also welcomed the role Hindraf wished to play in solving problems involving the Indian community.
"I said I accept it, it's good. The more people there are who want to help the Indian community, the more effective our efforts will be in assisting this community."
Najib said that at the meeting, he also explained that Malaysia had no place for extremists and that political extremists were dangerous for the country.
"That is why we must lean towards moderation. If we are moderate in our stand, (and) our demands, it will be easy for us to seek solutions. I told the Hindraf leaders that it had to be this way and they understood," he said.
On claims that there were Tamil newspapers which leaned towards the opposition, Najib dismissed the supposition and said that most of them provided space not only for the BN but also opposition, which clearly showed that the government practised a policy of media openness.
He said the government would continue engaging with these newspapers so that they could give a clear picture of government policies and the measures taken to assist the Indian community.
Asked whether he had enough rest and sleep in facing the general election, Najib said in a light-hearted manner: "InsyaAllah (God willing), I don't look that tired, do I? I am still fresh."
He said it was his duty as the prime minister to go down to the ground, so he could not be complaining.
"I hold on to one philosophy, that is, if I hold a position, (or) have a duty that is entrusted to me, I will carry it out to the best of my ability.
"I will not be satisfied if I do otherwise. Hence, I am committed to doing my best for our country," he said.
Najib also said that unity was a basic matter for the country and he believed that Malaysia's future could be safeguarded if the government could build a truly united multiracial society.
He said this must be anchored by a multiracial government that received a solid and strong mandate from the people, as a strong government could guarantee national stability.
Bernama
Mon Apr 08 2013
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