KUALA KUBU BARU: Datuk R. Ramanan is saddened by the use of slander and false information as a weapon to garner votes from the community ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election.
The deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives minister said such unproductive actions could have long-term implications on the development of the community and should be avoided.
"It's sad to see when they (some unresponsible quarters) spread slander, because when they disseminate false information, it will prevent this community from enjoying the assistance that has been provided.
"For example, when we (government agencies) announce the assistance that has been provided, they will find ways to spin it. If it's true, it's okay, but when they twist and turn it, who becomes the victim? The Indian community as well," he said after a Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) engagement session with the Indian community here, today (April 25).
Ramanan was joined by Mitra chairman P. Prabakaran who is also Batu member of parliament (MP), Special Officer to the Selangor Menteri Besar for the Indian Community Dr Gunaraj George who is also the Sentosa assemblyman and Special Officer to the Prime Minister on Special Affairs Shanmugan Mookan.
Ramanan hoped that other Indian leaders will also come forward and provide explanations to the community to prevent them from being influenced by the slander played by irresponsible parties.
The Election Commision has set May 11 for the KKB by-election following the death of its assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong on March 21.
KKB is a mixed seat, with Malays comprising 50 per cent of the electorate, followed by Chinese (30 per cent) and Indians (18 per cent).
The state seat has been represented by an ethnic Chinese assemblyman since 2004.
The unity government has decided to field DAP's Pang Sock Tao.
During the engagement session, multiple booths were opened including Mitra, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional), Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) among others.
