Santiago today released his 10-year “report card” as MP from 2008 to 2018 to further convince voters of his performance.

In his “report card”, Santiago listed 10 issues which he said he had championed in his two terms as MP.

First on the list was healthcare, with Santiago successfully lobbying the government to help those who suffered from Hepatitis C.

“I have ensured there was affordable healthcare, specifically for those with Hepatitis C. The government reduced the price of medication from RM300,000 to just RM1,128.

“I also pushed for a National Cancer Fund to help poor cancer patients and to have government control over prices of cancer medication,” he said.

Another basic necessity issue in which he was an active player was in ensuring the Selangor government was able to take control of water supply and facilities from private companies, given contracts by the previous Barisan Nasional state government.

“I helped to bring water amenities, a basic human right, back into the hands of the people.”

At the state level, Santiago also coordinated a programme for the Selangor government to provide business opportunities and funding for Indian women and youths from the B40 (bottom 40% household income) bracket.

“Some 420 Indians, single mothers and youths, from poor families received skills and entrepreneurial training under a programme I mooted in 2017.

“About 170 of these participants have started their businesses, earning between RM200 and RM5,000 a month.”

As an MP, Santiago said he recognised his role in bringing various issues afflicting the people to the attention of the Dewan Rakyat.

“I have also been a major voice in the campaign to stop custodial deaths and investigate the numerous cases that have occurred.”

He also hoped the people of Klang would see from his “report card” how he had worked hard on national issues, such as free and fair elections; better jobs and higher salaries; mother tongue education; and trade deals that are fair to Malaysia.

Santiago, who won with a majority of over 24,000 votes in the 2013 general election, said he had never neglected his constituents, holding regular meet-the-people sessions to listen to their woes and help them in any way he could.

In the 14th general election (GE14), Santiago will be defending his seat in a four-way fight against BN, PAS and an independent candidate.