Sarawak Indians solidly behind Adenan and BN

KUCHING: Sarawak's Indian community is solidly behind Tan Sri Adenan Satem (pix) and Barisan Nasional for the state's 11th election, said a community leader.

The community's affection for Tok Nan goes back to the 80s when he was state land development minister and helped raise money for the Kuching Indian Association building and looked into the needs of Indians.

"He is really a very nice man and has a caring attitude, he is the CM for all races," said T. Komarusamy, Penghulu for the Indian community in Kuching.

Sarawak has an Indian population of 10,000 and about half are voters. In Kuching alone, there are over 2,000 voters mostly in Kuching town, Batu Kawah and Matang area.

"Right from the beginning, the Indians have supported BN because it has been doing a good job. The government has provided facilities including medical services and schools for the people," said Komarusamy who was appointed Indian Kapitan in 2001 and promoted to Penghulu in 2010.
"Even in the old days, Tan Sri Adenan had the welfare of Indians at heart, he would join us for Deepavalli and enjoyed Indian songs although we didn't have good musical instruments."

Komarusamy said Adenan received a courtesy call from the Indian community soon after he took office in 2014.

The Indian community had requested the Chief Minister to look into scholarship for Indian students, civil service jobs, housing and assistance for temples.

Komarusamy produced a 1993 news clipping of Adenan lighting up a brass lamp to open the Sarawak Indian Culture Seminar in Kuching.

At the event, Adenan said the Indian community would not be neglected and added: "This state is also your home. You are part of us in Sarawak and the government wants to give the Indian community in Sarawak a sense of belonging." — Bernama