Hurtful racialised comments and fielding (and dropping) of Indian candidates raise serious questions about their place in the evolution of national politics, amidst coalitions that are more focused on winning and addressing the majority Malay community and often (disrespectfully) ignoring the serious concerns of minorities.
By focusing on the Indian community, I draw attention to their pivotal political role. In four of the states with coming polls - Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor - they will influence not only who wins particular seats, but shape who will hold power and by what majority...