HAVING served for three terms with impeccable track record that earned thumbs-up from their multi-ethnical Klang electorate, DAP’s Charles Santiago should be accorded a standing ovation for staying composed, loyal to his struggle and firmly believing that politics is all about zero-sum game – one person’s loss is another person’s gain.
In reality, nobody could have faulted Santiago if he chose to abandon ship or hop to another party or better still to rebel as an “indie” (independent) candidate. But with barely 48 hours to go before the national poll, he remains steadfast to his cause with likelihood of a defection being as good as nil.
In fact, outgoing Klang MP Santiago tweeted in the wee hours of this morning that he was still receiving many calls from people in Klang who were upset and worried with the rain and floods that inundated some parts of the Klang Valley early this morning.
As parts of Klang were still flooded with waters as high as two feet with some residents having to be evacuated, Santiago has trained his gun on the UMNO court cluster which “forced this election on us despite warnings of heavy rain by METMalaysia (Malaysian Meteorological Department)”.
“As there is a high possibility of Perikatan Nasional (PN) working with UMNO/Barisan Nasional (BN), every vote for them translates into the court cluster walking free,” he penned in his latest Facebook statement.
“… there are no perfect political parties or leaders but we can vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and hold them to their manifest which is comprehensive in looking at mitigating factors to revive the economy; which zeroes in on women’s rights and weeding out corruption.”
On this note, the 62 year-old human rights activist who is making way for a much younger Ganabatirau Veraman (the former Kota Kemuning state assemblyman) in GE15 insisted that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim makes the best 10th Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) candidate.
“You want to build your political power? You want an inclusive government? You want to be a part of the decision-making process of the country? You want your voice to be heard?” asked Santiago.
“If the answer to these questions is a resounding yes, vote in Anwar as the next PM of Malaysia. He is good for the country and will work to expand the people’s agenda.
“Are you upset with the increasing cost of living? Are the prices of fish and chicken beyond your means? Are you struggling to make rent every month? Are you worried about your children’s education?
“Voting is your chance to speak up on these issues and more. But more importantly, you need a leader who would listen to the rakyat’s grievances and aspirations. Anwar is that person,” he further contended.
After all, Santiago said PN’s ally, PAS, has publicly declared its intention to work with UMNO which he described as “a party that’s corrupt to the core”.
“And UMNO is also at its weakest due to political infighting,” he asserted. “Anwar, on the other hand, spent years in prison on trumped up charges. He was physically abused by the then police chief while incarcerated.”
Santiago added: “But he stands with us today with a pledge to work for a better country. Anwar promises transparency and accountability. And he swears to nip graft.” – Nov 17, 2022
Main photo credit: FMT
