Indian votes to play key role in upcoming state elections

SHAH ALAM - The forthcoming state elections in six states could have far-reaching consequences for Indian voters, according to political analysts.

Political Analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said that Indian votes would be very important in the three states that were not previously ruled by Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"In the three non-previously PN ruled states, every vote counts, as very closely contested elections are expected.

"The Indian votes in particular would be very decisive in those mixed seats and non-Malay-majority seats in these states," he said.

Oh said that Chinese voter turnouts may be low due to their disappointment with the sociopolitical trajectory of the country.

This could make Indian votes even more important, he said.

"It is really difficult to tell, as traditionally both ideological and socioeconomic factors have been alternatively important to Indian voters," he said.

Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Syaza Shukri agreed that Indian votes would be key in determining the outcome of the elections.

"Yes they are an important group of voters especially if the turnout is low.

"They can swing the vote. Their vote is important in Penang and Kedah mostly, I think, such as in Petai," she said

Syaza said that the Indian community is generally more pro-Pakatan Harapan, but that this is not as safe as the support of Chinese voters.

"Lower income Indians are likely to vote for PN," she added.

Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Political Science professor Datuk Dr Jayum Anak Jawan said that Indian votes would not be enough to win an election on their own.

"The Indian vote in Malaysia is never important, because they are small and minority.

"Indians can help people win, but not on their own. They can only win because they stand in Democratic Action Party.

"Indians can win not because of the Indian vote, but because of the Malay's vote or Chinese's vote. Indians cannot win statistically," he pointed out.

Jayum said that Indian voters are still assessing their options, as they enjoyed good support from Barisan Nasional under former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"After Najib, the Indians are still looking for patrons to take care of their needs," he said.

The upcoming state elections are set to be closely contested, and Indian votes could play a key role in determining the outcome.

It remains to be seen which party will be able to win the support of the Indian community.