Anwar, who is Port Dickson MP, said Streram served as a volunteer in Afghanistan and Sudan in 2010 and 2011, assisting injured Muslims, while with the Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Border) charity.
“He is a Hindu but as a volunteer he aided people by putting aside religious and racial sentiments,” Anwar said. “That is why I selected him. Streram qualifies as a candidate as he was involved in various humanitarian missions to assist world communities regardless of race and religion.”
Streram was officially announced today as the PKR candidate for the Rantau by-election.
Present at the ceremony were DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang; DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng; PKR vice-president Tian Chua; Negeri Sembilan Bersatu leadership headnRais Yatim; State PH chairman and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun; Amanah communications director Khalid Samad and Streram.
Anwar said PKR holds to the promise that whoever is the candidate, the prime minister and menteri besar are Malay, Islam is the religion of the Federation and the Malaysian Constitution would be defended.
“I want to stress that PKR is the foundation of justice for all. People have asked why I chose Streram, are there no other Indians? The whole country saw the video how Streram was denied his right to submit his nomination forms leading to Mat Hasan winning uncontested,” he said referring to Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan.
“Dr Streram is an anaesthetist, he was denied his rights, mistreated and cheated, is this humanitarian?,” he said.
Anwar said Streram, PKR Rantau deputy leader, was selected as the party’s candidate because he had been denied his right in the 14th general election and took the case to court and won.
“Under the administration of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, see how independent the Election Commission is today. We do not care if we win or lose, even if it is over RM1, we accept as long as we are not cheated,” he said.
Streram thanked Anwar for giving him another chance to contest for the Rantau state seat.
“I also thanked PH leadership for agreeing with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to give me this opportunity.
“I am a doctor and obviously I serve the people. I do not run from people’s problems.” He had continued to serve the people in Rantau despite not being allowed to contest.
“I did not run away from Rantau and continued my service,” he said.