Malaysian Indian politician campaigns on wheelchair

Kuala Lumpur, March 3 (IANS) With elections due next Saturday, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has promised to "seriously look into" the problems facing the ethnic Indian community.

"This is not just an empty promise but a serious promise that we will carry out. I am listening to your problems and demands. We will discuss your problems and will execute whatever we have promised in the Barisan Nasional's manifesto if we win in the coming elections," Badawi was quoted as saying by The Star Monday.

Ethnic Indians, predominantly Tamil Hindus who came to Malaysia during the British colonial era, account for eight percent of the country's 27 million population.

They have complained of discrimination in jobs and education and some of religious discrimination.

Their woes got highlighted last November when Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), a body claiming to speak for the Tamil Hindus, staged a rally that was declared illegal.

Five Hindraf leaders are detained under the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA).

Meanwhile, a poll-eve survey said that one out of five Indians thought race relations was on top of the poll agenda.

A survey by Merdeka Centre showed that 88 percent of the Malaysians were happy with relationships between various races. Concern over racial inequality remained highest among Indians, The New Straits Times said Monday quoting the survey results.

Just one in 10 persons surveyed said ethnic relations were the country's top issue, compared with more than one in six in a December survey, which reflected the sentiments that followed the Hindraf demonstrations in November.

Compared to one in five Indians, the ratio was one in 10 among the Chinese who account for 33 percent of Malaysia's 27 million population. It was one in 20 among the Malays, who form the 60 percent-plus majority.

Malaysian Indian politician campaigns on wheelchair

Karpal Singh, Malaysia's most prominent Indian origin politician from the opposition ranks, has a hectic campaigning routine before Saturday's general elections, despite being bound to his wheelchair.

"He may be wheelchair-bound, but Karpal Singh is treated like a rock star wherever he goes," said a New Straits Times correspondent covering Singh's campaign trail in George Town.

Singh, 68, heads the multi-ethnic Democratic Action Party (DAP), that has fielded 44 parliamentary and 101 state assembly candidates in the 12th general elections. Among them is his son Govind Singh Deo.

Another report said Singh's DAP is confident of winning in national capital Kuala Lumpur, but in the multi-cornered contests that have ensued, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is expected to do well.

Singh, arriving at a market and food court in a modified white Toyota Alphard, was assisted by a DAP member and the local party candidate.

"Karpal was instantly recognised by the traders and patrons. And he did not have to say much. He just said: 'Please support DAP'. Whenever he could, he shook hands with the people.

"Many were quick to extend a hand to the DAP veteran as though he was an old friend," the newspaper said.

Singh and his assembly running mate S.N. Rayer ran into their respective rivals of the BN.

Koay Kar Huah, contesting against Singh for the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat, and Loh Nam Hooi for the Seri Delima seat, had arrived at the food court earlier for their campaigning.

"All four quickly shook hands and exchanged pleasantries - a sign of respect shown by politicians from both sides of the divide," the report said.

Singh continued campaigning before eventually stopping for a drink of iced tea, a treat given by one of the food court patrons.

"A seemingly excited trader jumped at the opportunity for a photo with Karpal. She was grinning from ear to ear. When passing by a graveyard, Karpal's eyes glistened as he reminisced about the good old days when he used to bring his cows there to graze. His mind is still as sharp as ever," the newspaper said.

At another market, he met more political rivals in the poll fray. Singh was shaking hands. "Again, the old lion was well received, with eager stallholders and customers keen to shake his hand."

One patron, from Singapore, took the opportunity to have his picture with Karpal taken.

He crossed over and was invited in for a drink - another iced tea. This time he gulped down his drink as he wanted to continue on his campaign.