VOTERS in the Gadek and Seremban Jaya constituencies said they would elect their assemblymen again even though the duo have been charged with having links to defunct terror group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

They said DAP reps G. Saminathan and P. Gunasekaran have shown that they care about their constituents in the short time they served after winning the 2018 elections until their arrest last October.

Gadek voter Soon Kim Seng, 45, told The Malaysian Insight that Saminathan made time to visit constituents who needed help.

“He really helps people here. I will support him because he’s a good DAP man. I just hope that his charges are dropped.”

Retired serviceman Amin Ibrahim, 71, also said he would vote for Saminathan again if given the chance.

He said the 38-year-old assemblyman looked after veterans in the constituency.

“He shows concern for everyone, regardless of their race or religion. I don’t think we can judge him just because of his arrest. 

“All of us were shocked when we heard about his arrest, but let’s not judge him based on that. He should be given a chance to explain.”

Narayanaselvi Vellaisamy, 54, from Kg Bukit Nangka, said Saminathan was approachable and responsive.

Although she has never been to his service centre, she spoke with him at an event about drainage problems in her neighbourhood.

“He immediately took action and managed within weeks to resolve the problem,” she said, adding that she is praying for his release from jail.

Saminathan’s staff are keeping the service centre running, said an impressed Loganathan Kulanthaivelu, 47.

“Although YB is not around, the staff are helping address our problems. It took a little time since YB is not here, but in the end, my issue was resolved,” said Loganathan, who was at the centre to obtain financial assistance for his son’s schooling.

Ahmad Imran Zamri, who went to the centre to complain about uncollected rubbish in his neighbourhood, said officers responded swiftly.

Saminathan and Gunasekaran are among 12 men charged last year with having links to LTTE.

All were held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012, which, among other measures deemed oppressive, allows for detention without trial, denial of access to family and lawyers for a period, and denial of bail.

The high court has dismissed Saminathan’s bail application, citing Sosma.

The judge also held that LTTE, although now defunct, is still listed as a terrorist organisation on the government gazette.

In Gunasekaran’s constituency, 62-year-old Fun Sang, who owns a traditional Chinese medicine shop, said the assemblyman was helpful and trustworthy.

“He helps people, and I’ve seen that. He goes around to ask after people, and that makes him a good leader.

“Regardless of the charges against him, I still trust him.”

Tharma Raju, 47, said the 60-year-old rep should be given a chance to explain himself.

He said Gunasekaran has done a lot for the constituency and should be given credit for that.

“We should credit him for the good things he has done instead of talking about his arrest. We don’t know what actually happened. Let the due process take place, and then maybe, he’ll have a chance to explain. 

“The charges aside, he is a good leader. He is committed to helping the people here.”

Gunasekaran’s service centre is also open despite his absence.

Vasantha Kumari, 39, who came to get a document signed, said the staff are “always helpful”. – February 14, 2020.