KUALA LUMPUR – DAP’s Banting assemblyman V. Pappa Raidu has been listed as among the 11 Selangor executive council members, making him the sole Indian representative in the lineup.
This decision resolves a tussle that had arisen between DAP and their coalition partner PKR in Pakatan Harapan (PH), concerning the selection of the coalition’s only Indian representative for the state.
Among the names listed, PKR’s representatives include Mohd Najwan Halimi from Kota Anggerik and Mohammad Fahmi Ngah from Seri Setia. Both of them were reportedly contenders for the position of menteri besar prior to the recent swearing-in of Datuk Amirudin Shari earlier today.
In addition, Datuk Rizam Ismail, who is the assemblyman for Sungai Air Tawar, is the sole representative from Barisan Nasional (BN) within the executive council lineup.
Others on the list are DAP’s Bandar Utama rep Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Anfaal Saari (Taman Templer), Ng Suee Lim (Sekinchan), Borhan Aman Shah (Tanjong Sepat), Izham Hashim (Pandan Indah), Ng Sze Han (Kinrara).
This resolution of Pappa Raidu’s appointment follows negotiations in which DAP secured four exco positions, PKR got three, Amanah two, and Umno-BN one.
Although some PKR Indian members had expressed disappointment, they initially expressed hope that DAP’s Indian exco member would be Bukit Gasing assemblyman R. Rajiv, who is said to be able to effectively address Indian community concerns.
The concerns raised involve the potential for Pappa Raidu to be a liability and the potential for nepotism concerns if he is chosen.
This is complicated by the fact that his brother, V. Ganabatirau, currently the Klang MP, has already completed two terms as an exco member.
Another candidate, Preakas Sampunathan from Kota Kemuning, is relatively new to politics.
PKR had hoped that it’s two-term Sentosa assemblyman Gunarajah George would be appointed.
This is due to an original agreement in 2008 that the sole Indian exco post will be rotated between PKR and DAP.
PKR held the post for just one term through Datuk Dr. Xavier Jeyakumar. Ganabatirau then held it for DAP since 2013.
The final exco lineup was announced following the swearing-in of Amirudin for his second term.
This conclusion comes after PH’s reduced majority in the state elections, with DAP winning 15 seats and asserting its claim to exco positions, while PKR obtained the menteri besar’s post.
It is understood that the announcement of their portfolios would be made on Wednesday (August 23). – August 21, 2023