Opposition MPs claim Indian community better represented by PR - The Sun

KUALA LUMPUR (May 26, 2008):

Opposition MPs argued in Parliament today that the Indian community in Malaysia is better represented by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and not MIC.

They were not satisfied that Datuk S. Subramaniam (BN-Segamat) was proposed to sit in the Select Committee for the 12th Parliament as they claimed many Indians were not happy with BN, in particular MIC.

"Can’t you see that the number of Indian MPs in PR is bigger than those in BN? If it is truly done in the spirit of equal representation of all ethnic groups, the biggest voice representing the Indians today is PR, not BN.

"We would not possibly allow the appointment of YB Segamat because MIC today is not capable of representing the Indians. Many of their leaders had lost (in the election). This proves Indians now are not represented by MIC," said Mohd Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak).

In response, Minister in the Prime Minister Datuk Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz who moved the motion to appoint six names as members of the select committee said he would not mind if Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) wanted to vacate her seat for N. Gobalakrishnan (DAP-Padang Serai).

Earlier, Nazri read out those proposed to sit in the select committees, namely Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak who is also Chief Whip, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN-Kulai), Tan Sri Bernard Dompok (BN-Penampang), Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur), Subramaniam and Wan Azizah.

Mohd Azmin said it would not be proper for Wan Azizah to vacate her seat as she is the Opposition leader however, Mohd Nazri said it is BN’s right to decide who is the best to sit in the committee on BN’s side.

"The 4:2 ratio (of BN to PR) is adequate, suitable and reflects the actual composition (of MPs in Parliament). It is fair. We do not wish to put aside the voice of the Indian community. That’s why we appointed YB Segamat.

"Otherwise, we would have to sacrifice either YB Ipoh Timur or YB Permatang Pauh. BN must have four (representatives in the committee). We have even sacrificed a Sarawak representation. This shows how important it is for us to have an Indian voice here. Now I am the minister and I have to make a decision," he said.

Mohd Azmin then suggested for the number of opposition members in the committee to be increased to three, however Mohd Nazri insisted the number must be maintained at only six.

The motion was later passed by the Dewan.