Chua: DAP senator should apologise to Indians

By ELWEEN LOKE

BIDOR: DAP Senator S. Ramakrishnan should apologise to the Indian community for implying that they can be bribed, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.

He said Ramakrishnan had insulted the community when the latter claimed that the votes of the Indians could be bought over by money.

Let there be light: Dr Chua lighting up an oil lamp at the 1Malaysia Deepavali celebration in Bidor Monday.

“The accusation is baseless. He should understand that votes cannot be bought,” Dr Chua said of Ramakrishnan's article, which appeared in an online news portal alleging that the MCA was turning to the Indians as it could no longer get the support of the Chinese.

Dr Chua said the purpose of the MCA going all over the country to visit the Indian community was to help them solve their problems.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has not questioned the MCA's involvement in the affairs of the Indian community because it is our responsibility to work towards the common good of the rakyat,” he said during the 1Malaysia Deepavali celebration organised by the Tanjung Malim MCA division here on Monday night.

Dr Chua added that Barisan Nasional component parties had always defended the welfare and rights of the Indians in Sungkai despite having lost the state seat in the last general election.

“Has Pakatan Rakyat fulfilled its promise to the Indian community in Sungkai after winning the seat?

“Initiatives such as the 1MCA Medical Foundation and 1MCA Education Loan Scheme carried out by us are examples of how we have put the 1Malaysia concept into action.

“These initiatives are for everyone, regardless of their race or religion. Anyone needing financial assistance can actually apply for these,” he added.

Dr Chua said he had also instructed the party's division leaders to organise functions to celebrate the festivals of each community in the country.

He later received 36 memorandums from the local Indian community, promising to look into their requests.

(The Star)