FINALLY, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that it was the incumbent Sungai Buloh MP R. Sivarasa’s health problem that was the reason for dropping him from re-contesting in forthcoming 15th General Election (GE15).
There was a lot of speculation in the interim about the reasons for dropping the three-term MP.
Some commenters speculated that it could be due to his past association with Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, some cited the differences between Anwar and Rafizi Ramli concerning Sivarasa and a few hinted that he had already served three-terms, and therefore needed to be replaced to give other aspirants a chance at this coveted urban parliamentary seat of about a 100,000 constituents.
About a month ago when I visited Sivarasa at his service centre in Kota Damansara, and had a short conversation with him I found him speaking in a very low voice. I knew he was not well as he was a thyroid cancer survivor. Anwar’s statement has put to rest all speculation about Sivarasa’s candidacy.
Sivarasa has built up a good local support base since his debut in 2008 in what was then known as the Subang parliamentary constituency. His immediate predecessor was the late MIC’s Tan Sri K.S. Nijhar, a two-term MP.
I can remember clearly the sparse crowds that greeted Sivarasa and the state seat contestant PSM’s Dr. Nasir Hashim when they made their maiden election speeches in Sungai Buloh in 2008.
Subang was then a BN stronghold but circumstances were changing especially after the Bersih protests and the Hindraf Rally.
Both Sivarasa and Dr. Nasir Hashim benefitted from the strong tsunami tide against BN and both were victorious in their first attempt. He was also fortunate in that the MIC candidates in the 2008, 2013 and 2018 general elections were greenhorns and lightweights whom he defeated easily with substantial majorities.
During his lengthy tenure as MP, Sivarasa became a popular and helpful parliamentarian who was much sought after by his constituents and others. His service centre in Kota Damansara was often crowded as many came to seek his assistance, support and recommendation for individual and community needs. His constituency ‘ Open House’ was well attended by his multi-racial constituents who would use the opportunity to have a word or two with him.
He also had a helpful staff headed by his nephew K.R. Navin, to manage the service centre during his absence especially for medical treatment. He was also helpful to the B40 in the constituency by providing foodstuff and other aid during the lockdown and pandemic. One of the most intractable problems Sivarasa faced during his long tenure was the relocation of the Sungai Buloh Greenlane horticultural nurseries due to the development of Kwasa Damansara (formerly the RRI) and the construction of the Dash Highway, which was recently officially opened.As is well known Sungai Buloh is famous for its horticultural industry.
The affected nurserymen had waged a long and tough campaign for a proper commercially- viable horticultural Hub to house all the nurseries in Sungai Buloh. The campaign was made more difficult for the nurserymen due to the delay and indifferent attitude of the Selangor state government.
At long last – about three months ago- the state government approved a new nursery site in Bukit Changgang, Banting to be managed by the PKPS.
Right now clearing, levelling and infrastructural works are proceeding fast at the site. It will become a reality in a few months time. MP Sivarasa, the state Assemblyman Shatiri Mansor and PSM’s A. Sivarajan who, together with the nursery operators, had fought hard for this can be happy at this fruitful outcome. The nurserymen thank MP Sivarasa for chairing countless meetings over the years for the nursery hub to become a reality.
One should also appreciate the magnanimity of ivarasa who took the decision to drop him without any hard feelings, unlike many MPs who were dropped by the various political parties. Many made a fuss and have criticised and even openly challenged the decision of the party leadership.
Only today both Anwar and Sivarasa mentioned about the medical problem, which was the real reason for denying Sivarasa to go for a fourth term. The electoral battle between Sivarasa and political heavyweight Khairy Jamaluddin could be tough and Sivarasa’s health could be further affected during the campaign.
This is the reason why Anwar refused Sivarasa’s candidacy and opted instead for PKR’s deputy information chief, R Ramanan to contest the Sungai Buloh seat.
Health permitting Sivarasa can make a comeback if PH comes to power and he could be appointed as a minister via a senatorial appointment. He could also be bestowed for his exemplary service with a state award during Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s birthday celebration on Dec 11, 2022 — Nov 5, 2022
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
