Malaysia state election: Indian voters could decide fate of Anwar's coalition in Negeri Sembilan

Indian voters in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan could hold the key to whether Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition retains power. The state goes to the polls on August 1, with Indians forming a significant portion of the electorate in several key wards.

PH had previously estimated securing over 80% of the Indian vote in the 2023 state election, contributing to their overall success. However, this support now seems less certain. Prime Minister Anwar recently sought forgiveness from the Indian community for his past use of the term "kuil haram" (illegal temple) in relation to Hindu temples on disputed land. He stated that no old temples have been demolished since he became prime minister.

“

When I realised that it was wrong for me to say ‘kuil haram’, I apologised...Since I have been the prime minister, there was not a single old temple that I have demolished.

The stakes are particularly high for PH, which saw its seat share decline in the recent Johor state election. There, the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition reportedly won about 60% of the Indian vote, a bloc that had largely supported PH for two decades. The issue of temple status is a major concern for the Indian community, with some arguing it's inappropriate to label long-standing temples as "illegal."

“

I am impressed with Anwar’s economic achievements. But I wanted to vote for Barisan Nasional because Anwar did not take a firm stand against racism.

Adding to the complexity, PH faces competition for the Indian vote due to an electoral pact between BN and the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Negeri Sembilan. The Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP), part of PN, is contesting a seat where Indians constitute about 27% of voters. A 28-year-old voter expressed disappointment with Anwar's stance on racism, despite acknowledging his economic achievements, and indicated a shift towards BN.

BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has promised that if BN forms the state government, two executive council members would be from the Indian community. This move, along with support from the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), aims to bolster BN's appeal to Indian voters in the upcoming election.

“

if BN formed the state government, two state executive council members would come from the Indian community.