Earlier today, I wrote about the inability of the Indian community in Bukit Selambau to put up a single independent candidate, probably reflecting our community to unite. Some may say its democracy in action, fine.

By the way, its confirmed a record – we have a 15-cornered fight in Bukit Selambau. Of the 13 independents, 6 are Indians, 1 Chinese and 6 Malays.

Let’s look at the response of the Malay candidates:

Mejar (R) Anuar Abd Hamid said he was ready to withdraw if former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad rejoined Umno.

The former Merbok Umno division committee member said he opted to contest as an independent as Dr Mahathir had left Umno and had not rejoined although he had said he would after the Umno general assembly yesterday.

“I followed Dr Mahathir in leaving the party last year and if Dr Mahathir rejoins I am willing to consider withdrawing,” said Anuar who has been in politics for 20 years.

Another independent candidate, Khamis Awang, a businessman said he was ready to withdraw to pave the way for another Malay candidate to win with the condition that the winner would not join any political party.

Khamis said he was willing to discuss with another Malay candidate out of unity and that the candidate remained a independent representative.

Yet another independent candidate, Abdul Rahim Abu, said he was seriously considering withdrawing as there were other Malay candidates standing as independents.

The former Bukit Gelugor Umno division committee member did not want Malay votes to be split to ensure the state constituency was represented by a Malay.

“For the Malays, I am ready to do anything. I am ready to contest and struggle for the Malays and I am also ready to give way for another Malay. I have no other interests,” he said.

Another Malay candidate reportedly said he’s also willing to reconsider:

Independent candidate Zaharan Abdullah, 39, seemed to have taken to heart Samy Vellu’s wish. He has pulled out because he said he was satisfied with the outcome of the Umno elections.

“The new Umno line-up comprises leaders I believe are capable of keeping the party relevant,” said Zaharan, a former Merbok Umno Youth committee member, adding that he would now help campaign for Barisan.

Oh ya, the part on “Samy Vellu’s wish” above is regarding his statement:

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu wants those seeking to stand as independents in the Bukit Selambau by-election to pull out.

He said they would not be able to serve the constituency effectively as an Independent.

“Can they bring development to the constituency or solve the people’s problems?

“Only Barisan Nasional can do these things,” he told a press conference…

Maybe he’s concerned that the candidates will lose their deposits. I think so too. At most, only one independent candidate will get back his deposit.

Anyway 4 of the 6 Malay candidates have expressed their willingness to compromise in way or another. How about the Indians? Let’s look at four of them:

Moganakumar:

Among them, Moganakumar, the personal assistant to former Kedah executive councillor Arumugam, has a personal mission to fulfill – to ensure PKR candidate S Manikumar bite the dust.

Moganakumar, whose electoral symbol is a book, decided to contest Bukit Selambau after failing to secure the PKR ticket.

“My experience in the state government and in-depth knowledge of the constituency should have made me an ideal candidate for PKR.

“Only the PKR top leadership knows why an unknown person like Manikumar was chosen,” said Moganakumar, who aims to “steal away the PKR votes”.

He claims that PKR had got a big disadvantage by fielding Manikumar, a stranger from Jitra and an alien to the constituents, and this could work in his favour.

“I could capitalise on the unhappiness among the voters who wanted a local to contest under the PKR ticket,” said the father of two sons.

He said he has drawn his own strategy to leave the other candidates behind, especially Manikumar.

Loganathan:

Meanwhile, businessman Loganathan said he is contesting to “serve the people and work for youth development”. Being a local boy, he believes he has an advantage when it comes to wooing the voters.

“I have a formidable team and enough supporters to campaign for me and I believe I have a good chance of winning,” said the independent candidate, who will contest under the palm oil symbol.

The father of four said that he had set up at least seven election operation centres across the constituency to boost his campaign.

Chandrarajan:

Chandrarajan, an insurance company manager, is also confident of securing a victory at the expense of the other candidates.

Like the others, the father of three will carry out house-to-house campaign and indoor meet-the-people sessions to woo the voters.

“I will unveil my manifesto and explain to voters what I can do for them if elected,” said Chandrarajan, who will use an aeroplane as his symbol.

Jayagopal:

Suspended PKR member Jayagopal is also confident of winning because he says he is a familiar face to Bukit Selambau constituents.

“I have a good grassroots rapport in the constituency and close relationship with Kedah menteri besar (Azizan Abdul Razak).

“I am the best candidate for the voters,” said Jayagopal, who will contest under an umbrella symbol.

Interestingly, two of them are ex-PKR (well, one is suspended). Another is ex-PPP (Sarala).

So, will the Indian candidates compromise? Will the local community force them to talk to each other? Will the candidates spoil the Indian votes by putting themselves above community interest?