clipped from http://www.bernama.com
According to an MIC insider, the party is rather “concerned” about the Kapar parliamentary seat, which sees incumbent and Wanita MIC chief Komala Krishnamoorthy facing a challenge from S. Manikavasagam of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
However, statistics reveal that such “concerns” could be unfounded. Kapar has some 112,224 registered voters of which 51.4 per cent are Malays, 35.4 per cent Chinese and only 13 per cent Indians.
In the last elections in 2004, Komala, who is also the Education Ministrys Parliamentary Secretary, won the seat with a comfortable 14,588 vote majority. She polled 44,007 votes against a Keadilan candidate who managed 29,419 votes.
The question now is whether that 14,000-vote majority can be overturned or swung away in just one election. And this also does not take into account the low voter turnout in the last election for that constituency.
Imagery Press Conference The AlZebra Interview of Wanita MIC chief Datin Paduka P. Komala Devi
Reporter:Good evening, Datin Paduka Komala Devi, even with your busy schedule you have agreed to this interview, and I thank you for it. To start the ball rolling it is reported that your parliamentary seat is at stake, and you may lose to the opposition.
Komala: Who said so, even if the sun rises in the west I will still come out a winner.
Reporter: But your President Mr Samy Vellu, says Kapar is a difficult seat, and you may have an uphill battle to win it.
Komala: He must be joking to release his tension, you know lately, he has been going through a tough time and from time to time cracks jokes to ease the thinking of not only the Indians but the MIC candidates as well. One joke from him revitalises us, and makes our work easier, like the uphill thing, I have taken the cue and only wear low heeled shoes as high heeled ones are not correct material for mountain climbing. With low heels uphills have been countered.
Reporter: That is a wise move, the other allegation is you have not visited Kapar from 2004. Is there any truth in it.
Komalam: It’s a lie, look at this record I have with me, of receiving 7 wedding cards from people here in Kapar, how could they say I have not visited Kapar, when this cards indicate I might have gone to Kapar.
Reporter: But those are deemed private visits, I suppose the voters are referring to visits to look into problems at Kapar and overcome them.
Komala: Did I do that, not visiting them? Well from now on I will in Kapar every other day and the voters need not fear my presence will not go noticed.
Reporter: What about text messages sent, why was there no reply.
Komala: Yes, I did receive these messages, but also receive a lot of scam messages, like the one it said I won a million dollars, anyway I am getting a new sim card exclusive to the use of Kapar people, and this will be pasted in each house, and any sms will make me to be there in half an hour. I hope the Kapar people are happy now.
Reporter: Another complaint is from a group of 900 people concerning their land. Do you wish to comment?
Komala: Yes, there is a slight technical problem. The people are unaware, of the on going headache, I meant difficulties I have with the state government to resolve the matter. Now that the matter has cropped up, my boss the Mentri Besar will act on it and by Mar 9 the matter will be settled amicably.
Reporter: But the elections is on March 8 and the people have made it clear they are not voting for you if the land issue persists.
Komala: They need not worry, if there are fated to receive the land they will get it, and I think it is childish of them to tempt faith.
Reporter: One last question, if your President Samy Vellu visits Kapar, do you think your chances of victory will be better.
Komala: No, no, no. He is a busy man, 9 Parlimentary and 19 state seats are at stake, they require his presence. I will do it alone at Kapar. Low heeled shoes, daily visits, new sim cards and lectures on fate, I am sure I will win.
Reporter: Thank you.