Asian community must assert itself

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><xml> Normal 0 21 false false false SW X-NONE X-NONE </xml><xml> </xml> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> Having played a big part in building the country's first railway, it is unfortunate that the Asian community rarely participates publicly in political matters that shape the country's destiny for better or worse.

Their assertiveness on the economic front hardly translates into a strong voice in the political arena, which they should leverage to fight for a conducive environment that is important for economic growth.

The recent withdrawal of a Hindu representative from the team appointing electoral commissioners gives ammunition to those who hold the view that the Asian community prefers to take a back seat on important national matters that later come to haunt them economically.

Their low-key participation further gives credence to claims that the community prefers to lobby behind closed doors and bankroll incumbent political parties.