LETTER | Sivarasa was refused a fourth term due to his health

LETTER | Finally, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim revealed yesterday that it was the incumbent  Sungai Buloh MP R Sivarasa’s health problem that was the sole reason for dropping him from re-contesting in GE15.

There was a lot of speculation in the interim about the reasons for dropping the three-term MP. Some commenters speculated that it could be due to his past association with Azmin Ali, some cited the differences between Anwar and his deputy Rafizi Ramli, and a few hinted that he had already served three terms and therefore needed to be replaced to give other aspirants a chance at this coveted urban parliamentary seat of about 150,000 constituents.

About a month ago when I visited Sivarasa (above) at his service centre in Kota Damansara and had a short conversation with him, I found him speaking in a very low voice. I knew he was not well as he was a thyroid cancer survivor, and Anwar’s statement has put to rest all speculation about Sivarasa's candidacy.

Sivarasa has built up a good local support base since his debut in 2008 in what was then known as the Subang parliamentary constituency. His immediate predecessor was the late KS Nijhar from MIC, a two-term MP.

I can remember clearly the sparse crowds that greeted Sivarasa and the state seat contestant, PSM’s Dr Nasir Hashim, when they made their maiden election speeches in Sungai Buloh in 2008.

Subang was then a BN stronghold but circumstances were changing, especially after the Bersih protests and the Hindraf Rally. Both Sivarasa and Nasir benefitted from the strong tsunamic tide against BN and both were victorious in their first attempt.

Sivarasa was also fortunate in that the MIC candidates in the 2008, 2013, and 2018 general elections were greenhorns and lightweights whom he defeated easily with substantial majorities.

During his lengthy tenure as MP, Sivarasa became a popular and helpful parliamentarian who was much sought after by his constituents and others. His service centre in Kota Damansara was often crowded as many came to seek his assistance, support, and recommendation for individual and community needs.

His constituency “Open House” was well attended by his multi-racial constituents who would use the opportunity to have a word or two with him. He also had a helpful staff headed by his nephew, KR Navin, to manage the service centre during his absence, especially for medical treatment.

He was also helpful to the B40 community in the constituency by providing foodstuff and other aid during the lockdowns amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the most intractable problems Sivarasa faced during his long tenure was the relocation of the Sungai Buloh Greenlane horticultural nurseries due to the development of Kwasa Damansara (formerly the RRI) and the construction of the Dash Highway, which was recently officially opened.

As is well known, Sungai Buloh is famous for its horticultural industry. The affected nursery staff had waged a long and tough campaign for a proper commercially viable horticultural hub to house all the nurseries in Sungai Buloh.

The campaign was made more difficult for the nursery staff due to the delay and indifference of the Selangor government.

At long last - about three months ago - the state government approved a new nursery site in Bukit Changgang, Banting, to be managed by the PKPS.

Right now, clearing, levelling, and infrastructural works are proceeding quickly at the site. It will become a reality in a few months’ time. Sivarasa, the state assemblyperson Shatiri Mansor, and PSM’s A Sivarajan who, together with the nursery operators, had fought hard for this can be happy with this fruitful outcome.

The nursery staff thank Sivarasa for chairing countless meetings over the years for the nursery hub to become a reality.

One should also appreciate the magnanimity of Sivarasa, who took the decision to drop him without any hard feelings, unlike other incumbent MPs who were dropped by the various political parties.

Many made a fuss and have criticised and even openly challenged the decision of the party leadership. Only yesterday, both Anwar and Sivarasa mentioned the latter’s medical condition as the sole reason for denying him candidacy.

Going up against Khairy Jamaluddin, the BN candidate, could be tough and Sivarasa’s health could be further affected during the campaign.

This is the reason why Anwar refused Sivarasa’s candidacy and opted instead for PKR’s deputy information chief, R Ramanan to contest the Sungai Buloh seat.

Health permitting, Sivarasa can make a comeback if Pakatan Harapan comes to power and he could be appointed as a minister via a senatorial appointment. He could also be bestowed for his exemplary service with a state award by Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah during his birthday celebration on December 11, 2022.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.