ID :
54239
Tue, 04/07/2009 - 12:57
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/54239
The shortlink copeid
ROLE OF MINORITY GROUP CRUCIAL IN ELECTIONS
SUNGAI PETANI (Malaysia), April 7 (Bernama) -- Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Monday the role of the minority groups is important in every election in the country.
He said these groups usually determined the winner in an election even
though the total votes could be small.
"In an election, usually the contest is between the government and the
opposition. The supporters for both sides are almost evenly matched, but it is
the minority who decides the winner or loser," he said when addressing a
gathering, "An Afternoon With Dr Mahathir Mohamed-Statesman", in this northern
town.
He said administering the country was like crossing a very narrow bridge
because the government had to accommodate the wishes of every ethnic group
without leaving anyone behind.
"It's as though the government is crossing a very narrow bridge, a misstep
would mean falling into the sea. That's the way administration is carried out in
Malaysia. If one community complains of not getting something, it is because
consideration is given to the other communities, so some others have to
sacrifice," he said.
Despite the rain, more than 5,000 people stayed to listen to Dr Mahathir's
speech on the Bukit Selambau by-election.
His arrival at the venue at about 4.50 pm was greeted by ruling National
Front (BN) leaders from all the component parties.
Earlier, the former prime minister had joined the BN election machinery in
the campaign for the Bukit Gantang Parliamentary by-election.
Dr Mahathir on Sunday submitted his Umno membership application after having
left the party last year.
Dr Mahathir said the Indian community represented a small group in the
country and there was no election constituency with an Indian majority.
"They should not have a representative in the Malaysian government, but the
Chinese and Malays are willing to cooperate and sacrifice so that the Indian
community can also have a place in our country," he said.
He said the sacrifice was necessary so that harmony and prosperity for all
races were maintained.
"In an election, victory is not necessarily determined by thousands of
votes, one vote is enough to win the election. When the Indian community does
not have a place because of their small number, we are prepared to field Indian
candidates while the Chinese and Malays are willing to give their support to
them.
"Likewise, when another community is contesting, the Indian voters decide
the winner. Although the community is a minority, they play a significant role,
that's why we are prepared to sacrifice a little to give a place to the Indian
community," he said.
On the Bukit Selambau by-election Tuesday, Dr Mahathir said he had full
confidence in Ganesan to look after the welfare of all races here.
"Today, he (Ganesan) shook hands with me, after winning, he shakes hands
with everyone. Don't forget that we become an elected representative because of
the votes that you give," he told the gathering.
He called on the BN elected representatives to emulate Prime Minister Najib
Razak who made surprise visits at Jalan Petaling, Brickfields and Kerinchi in
Kuala Lumpur to look at the problems in these areas.
He expressed his willingness to give advice to anyone without becoming
official advisor.
-- BERNAMA
He said these groups usually determined the winner in an election even
though the total votes could be small.
"In an election, usually the contest is between the government and the
opposition. The supporters for both sides are almost evenly matched, but it is
the minority who decides the winner or loser," he said when addressing a
gathering, "An Afternoon With Dr Mahathir Mohamed-Statesman", in this northern
town.
He said administering the country was like crossing a very narrow bridge
because the government had to accommodate the wishes of every ethnic group
without leaving anyone behind.
"It's as though the government is crossing a very narrow bridge, a misstep
would mean falling into the sea. That's the way administration is carried out in
Malaysia. If one community complains of not getting something, it is because
consideration is given to the other communities, so some others have to
sacrifice," he said.
Despite the rain, more than 5,000 people stayed to listen to Dr Mahathir's
speech on the Bukit Selambau by-election.
His arrival at the venue at about 4.50 pm was greeted by ruling National
Front (BN) leaders from all the component parties.
Earlier, the former prime minister had joined the BN election machinery in
the campaign for the Bukit Gantang Parliamentary by-election.
Dr Mahathir on Sunday submitted his Umno membership application after having
left the party last year.
Dr Mahathir said the Indian community represented a small group in the
country and there was no election constituency with an Indian majority.
"They should not have a representative in the Malaysian government, but the
Chinese and Malays are willing to cooperate and sacrifice so that the Indian
community can also have a place in our country," he said.
He said the sacrifice was necessary so that harmony and prosperity for all
races were maintained.
"In an election, victory is not necessarily determined by thousands of
votes, one vote is enough to win the election. When the Indian community does
not have a place because of their small number, we are prepared to field Indian
candidates while the Chinese and Malays are willing to give their support to
them.
"Likewise, when another community is contesting, the Indian voters decide
the winner. Although the community is a minority, they play a significant role,
that's why we are prepared to sacrifice a little to give a place to the Indian
community," he said.
On the Bukit Selambau by-election Tuesday, Dr Mahathir said he had full
confidence in Ganesan to look after the welfare of all races here.
"Today, he (Ganesan) shook hands with me, after winning, he shakes hands
with everyone. Don't forget that we become an elected representative because of
the votes that you give," he told the gathering.
He called on the BN elected representatives to emulate Prime Minister Najib
Razak who made surprise visits at Jalan Petaling, Brickfields and Kerinchi in
Kuala Lumpur to look at the problems in these areas.
He expressed his willingness to give advice to anyone without becoming
official advisor.
-- BERNAMA
