Uthayakumar: Anwar has failed us

By: Marwan Hashim

KLANG: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has failed to live up to his promises to help uplift the marginally poor Indian community, said Human Rights Party (HRP) secretary-general P. Uthayakumar.

Uthayakumar yesterday also issued an ultimatum to Anwar to fulfil promises made by Pakatan Rakyat during the 2008 general election.

Failing which, he said HRP would field its own candidates against Pakatan in several parliamentary and state seats in Selangor in the next general election.

Uthayakumar said Anwar had also declined to meet him on many occasions to discuss issues faced by the Indian community.

"We have had almost enough with Pakatan and its leadership in three states -- Penang, Kedah and Selangor -- as they continue to sideline the Indian community and our demands.

"Anwar has not show his commitment in solving our problems. We invited him, here, to discuss issues faced by the Indian community in Selangor, but he declined citing his busy schedule."

Uthayakumar said HRP would give Anwar one last chance to meet them on May 20.

"If Anwar does not meet us by then, we will be forced to field our own candidates against Pakatan in the next general election," he said after a gathering with 200 supporters at Padang Chetty, near here.

Uthayakumar said HRP planned to field candidates in three parliamentary constituencies -- Kota Raja, Kuala Selangor and Kelana Jaya -- and in four state seats -- Seri Setia, Seri Andalas, Ijok and Bukit Melawati.

Citing an example of Pakatan neglecting the Indians, Uthayakumar pointed out the omission of an Indian representation in Pakatan's banner at its convention in Alor Star in January. This, Uthayakumar said had already drawn flak from Indian leaders within its ranks.

Uthayakumar lashed out at Pakatan and said that such a case was not the first.

"In most Pakatan functions which I have attended, I have never seen any Indian face (on their banners).

"Is this an indication of what they are going to do if they come to power, to sideline the Indians?"

"This runs contrary to Barisan Nasional which usually showcased as many Indian faces as possible to show the coalition's inclusiveness," he said in his speech, delivered in Tamil.