THE SUDDEN announcement of Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto to not defend her seat come the 15th General Election (GE15) could signify great loss to the constituency? During her two-term stint as MP, she has greatly contributed to the development of the Batu Kawan constituency.
Kasthuri who made her own decision to step down said in a news report that she will remain in DAP and continue fighting for human rights, raising women’s issues and the eradication of child marriage.
In her reasoning, Kasthuri, 43 expressed that the decision was the hardest she had to ever make in her life, stating, “I am stepping down and will not be contesting in the coming elections to make way for future leaders in DAP and Malaysia, and I will forever be indebted to the party for providing me with a platform to serve the people and the nation for two terms as the Batu Kawan MP.
“The party leadership persuaded me to rethink my decision but, after much thought, I will stick to my decision. I have received full support and blessing from the party.
“There have been rumours that I have been dropped, but that is not the case, and I am stepping down on my own accord.” said Kasthuri who is the only Indian woman in Parliament.
She also made it clear that her intention to not defend her Batu Kawan seat was no indication that she was quitting politics, stating that one can never leave politics when one’s heart is close to fighting for equality and social justice for marginalised groups which she explained that DAP has been advocating for decades ultimately becoming the principles of the party.
Kasthuri, the daughter of the late P. Patto who served as an MP and senior DAP politician has always been fighting for women’s rights, having raised concerns on the lack of women representation in Parliament apart from being an advocate on abolishing the death penalty and the passing of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill.
The exit of Kasthuri from Batu Kawan is perhaps another indication by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition to field younger candidates in hopes to attract the younger millennials and Gen Z.
With Kasthuri deciding not to defend her seat, we wonder about the potential of the future candidate who will be taking over and we also further wonder if her successor will be able to live up to Kasthuri’s role as Batu Kawan MP. – Oct 20, 2022
Main photo credit: The Malay Mail
