IPOH, May 4 — S. Murugiah, who is running independently for the Hulu Kinta state seat, pledged his support today for Datuk Husni Hanadzlah, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Tambun federal seat.
The 53-year-old said the former second finance minister deserved the support for his service to the area over the years, but stressed that this declaration was a personal one, specific to Husni.
“We will not forget what he has done for the people here, especially the Indian community.
“We will always support him, even though we have our own interests to fight for. For us, he is not a political figure; he is more of a good friend who did not forget us whatever the circumstances,” he told Malay Mail.
The first-time candidate said he was contesting to highlight what he alleged was incumbent assemblyman Datuk Aminuddin Md Hanafiah’s neglect of the local Indian community.
Murugiah said he was not interested in whether he wins or loses, and simply wanted to protest against Aminuddin.
Among others, he accused his rival of not providing land for temples or job opportunities for the youth, despite repeated approaches.
Murugiah also said he chose to run as an Independent as he has no faith in Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“Previously, the Opposition fielded Indian candidates for this state seat, but now they have fielded a Malay candidate.
“How can we support them? The people need a candidate who can understand and look after their needs,” he said in an apparent response to detractors who have accused him of splitting the Opposition vote.
Murugiah, who is the chairman for the Arulmigu Samayapura Maha Mariamman temple in Tanjung Rambutan here, said there were about 7,000 Indian voters in the constituency and that he was confident of winning them over.
The chairman of the Hulu Kinta Tamil Community Association said the 27 groups under his watch would help campaign for him.
He said he has been actively serving the community for three decades, helping young and old alike.
Murugiah claimed credit for saving SJK (T) Ladang Chankat Kinding, saying he helped move 10 students there when there were only two about 10 years ago, thereby preventinh its closure.
“One of them was also my son,” he said. “Now the school is still operating and it has about 45 students and 10 teachers. We also helped raise funds to upgrade its facilities.”
Calling it a miracle if he wins, Murugiah said that he would not only help the Indian community, but also look after the interests, rights and needs of other races.
Murugiah will face Aminuddin, Murafat Arafat Varisai from PKR and Mohd Salleh Said from PAS in a four-cornered fight for the state seat.
