KUALA LUMPUR, (TheCapitalPost) – on 22 May 2025, at the prestigious ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, YB Dato’ Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Leader of the Opposition and Secretary-General of Perikatan Nasional, delivered a keynote speech that may come to be remembered as a defining moment in Malaysian political history.
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Titled “A Bird’s-Eye View of the Malaysian Political Landscape – Building A New Consensus”, the speech was more than a political reflection. It was a clarion call for reform, inclusion, and a new power-sharing model for all Malaysians.
But for the Malaysian Indian community, this was more than just another political speech. It was a wake-up call, an invitation, and, most importantly, an opportunity to finally break free from decades of marginalization and reposition itself as a strategic force in shaping Malaysia’s future.
A Hard Look at Our Political Choices Since 2008
Let’s speak frankly. Since 2008, the Indian community has predominantly supported the PKR-DAP-led Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. This shift was driven by anger, hope, and the desire for justice in the wake of the Hindraf movement, which exposed long-standing injustices faced by Indians in education, religion, and employment.
In election after election, we voted overwhelmingly for change. We believed in the promises of fairness, equality, and reform.
But now, almost two decades later, we must ask the most important question: Has our loyalty been rewarded?
What Have We Gained—and What Have We Lost?
1. Education: From Hope to Heartbreak
– Under the BN government, then-PM Najib Razak allocated 2,200 matriculation seats for Indian students.
– Under PH, not only were those numbers drastically reduced, but even straight-A Indian students have been denied matriculation placement.
– There is no transparency and no political will to correct this injustice—even from ministers we helped elect.
2. Temple Rights: Cultural Spaces, Political Casualties
– The Badrakaliamman temple relocation was a watershed moment.
– Instead of empathy, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly declared “victory” at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new site—as if erasing a community’s spiritual heritage is an achievement.
– The token appearances of Indian PH leaders during this episode and failure to address the issue of Anwar claiming “victory” shows how beholden all of them are to preserve their positions .
3. Socioeconomic Upliftment: Still at the Bottom
– Tamil schools remain underfunded and poorly resourced.
– Indian youth are still trapped in low-wage jobs with limited access to vocational and entrepreneurial support.
– We are barely represented in high-level policymaking, and when we are, it’s usually symbolic.
Hamzah’s Speech: A Blueprint for a New Beginning
YB Hamzah Zainudin’s address at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute was not just an opposition critique—it was a structured, serious offer to all Malaysians who have been failed by successive governments.
For the first time, a senior Malay leader:
– Proposed a “New National Consensus” that is inclusive of all races, religions, and regions.
– Criticized the politics of racial tokenism and survivalism.
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– Offered a governance agenda built on shared prosperity, compassionate leadership, and honest inclusion.
The Role of MIPP: Our Bridge to Influence
The presence of the Malaysian Indian People Party (MIPP) within the Perikatan Nasional coalition is a strategic opportunity. MIPP can become:
– A direct voice for Indian issues
– A platform to push for education equity, temple rights, and youth training
– A bargaining unit that can monitor and negotiate the implementation of community-specific promises
What Do We Have to Lose? Frankly—Nothing.
PH has already:
– Reduced our education access
– Insulted our religious sentiments
– Ignored our economic plight
– Marginalized our youth
Continuing to support them without accountability is not loyalty—it’s self-destruction.
Political Intelligence Means Knowing When to Shift
Every major community in Malaysia has learned to vote based on performance, not promises. The Indian community must now do the same.
Let us become the swing vote that decides elections—not just loyal followers trapped in broken alliances.
Hamzah’s Speech Was Not Just a Moment. It’s a Map.
YB Hamzah’s speech in Singapore is a map to the future—a pathway for Indians to re-enter national relevance.
Let us organize under MIPP, present a clear set of demands to PN, and if they meet those demands, let us back them with strength.
Because when we vote smart, we matter. And when we vote united, we decide.
“A better Malaysia is not a dream. It is a commitment.” — YB Hamzah Zainudin
Let’s hold every party to that commitment.
-Written by Kumar Sathasivam
-TheCapitalPost