Election promises won't materialise

I would like to address Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak’s speech at the recent MIC special assembly.

Firstly, he said Indians are doing very well in all professional jobs. Yes, indeed, but that’s it is their own hard-earned money. How many medical seats are allocated for Indians in local universities? The worst part was the de-recognition of Ukraine’s Crimea State Medical University (CSMU), where many Indians study. Is the BN taking credit which never belonged to them?

Besides, can someone tell us how many Indian lawyers were recommended for the positions of magistrates or session and high court judges? Secondly, why say sorry for the temple demolition just days before Deepavali? Furthermore, why say sorry after two sweet months? Let me guess, because elections are around the corner?

Thirdly, the government agreed that there are legitimate grouses among Indians so MIC came up with seven issues for immediate action. These seven points were exactly what the Hindraf leaders raised first. Why do they have to be sent to prison for reminding the authorities about their ignorance?

Fourthly, free election goodies are now being thrown to the Indians. The DPM promised better opportunities (such as government jobs, loans for businesses and so forth) to put smiles on frustrated faces. Aren't these basic deliverables for a community? Do we need an assembly to announce these? Especially when elections are around the corner?

Moreover, the people feel these could be arbitrary promises. Will they document these deliverables in an election manifesto with concrete numbers? We can't fly a kite during a snowfall, can we? Current happenings seem to be desperate, sudden manoeuvers. The fear with election promises is that they will not materialise.

As judgment day rounds the corner, let's leave it to the people to judge the candidates.

VJ
Malaysiakini