ON the third and final week of campaigning for the Seri Setia by-election, MIC threw its support behind PAS candidate Dr Halimah Ali during an event with the Indian community in PJS 5 last night.

MIC deputy president S.K. Devamany told the crowd of some 50 people that they should vote for Dr Halimah to ensure checks and balances in the government.

“Why do I ask all of you to vote for Halimah? We cannot let Pakatan Harapan be too strong.

“There needs to be checks and balances. If we give them too much power, they may become arrogant,” said Devamany.

The ceramah was also attended by PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad, as well as Umno vice-president Mahdzir Khalid.

After the event, 34-year-old Raj, who lives in the neighbourhood, admitted to feeling “awkward” seeing MIC leaders share the stage with their former foes from the Islamist party.

“I felt weird. Honestly, I did not like it. Why are they working together now?” he said to The Malaysian Insight.

Raj said he did not mind who won the by-election, but hoped the chosen representative would give immediate attention to the maintenance of the low-cost flats.

“The drains are always blocked, the walls are not painted. This area has been neglected for so long.

“Each time someone wins, the representative never drops by to meet with the locals and fix the problems we have,” he said.

Another local, Narayanan, 60, said he had been living in the area for close to 30 years but nothing had improved for the locals.

“There are always problems with the streetlights and drains. Nobody ever came to help us,” he said.

The cooperation between PAS and MIC also “confused” another local who only wanted to be known as Veni.

“There is too much cooperation now. I am confused by this one too,” said the 58-year-old.

But regardless of which party was working with which, Veni said the elected representative must bring progress and development to Seri Setia.

“I hope they will focus on solving the people’s issues.” she said.

Halimah is facing a straight fight with Halimey Abu Bakar of PKR in the by-election this Saturday. – September 4, 2018.