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Hoping to continue with Ethnic Affairs if National wins in Sep, Bakshi remains non-committal on S64

Straight talk with Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National List MP based in Manukau East

I hope to continue in this role as Minister of Ethinic Affairs when we form the next government; Can't comment on Section 64 of Social Security Act 2018 but will advocate for helping migrants in every possible way : Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National List MP based in Manukau East.

Our questions:

  • Are we looking at the next Minister of Ethnic Affairs, if National wins the elections in September?

  • What's his stand on the implementation of Section 64 of Social Security Act 2018, to help struggling migrants during the ongoing pandemic?

  • How can New Zealand be made multicultural in true sense, apart from the token celebrations of Bollywood concert-style Diwali etc.?

  • What are his chances against Labour's Minister of Ethnic Affairs Jenny Salesa from the Panmure-Otahuhu electorate, considering she has had resounding lead over him, in the last two general elections?

  • Why didn't he put his hand up for the newly-created Takanini electorate with substantial Indian-origin population, where his chances of a win would have been better?

  • Isn't it time for ethnic MPs to think about winning electorate seats, instead of just being satisfied with getting on their respective party's lists?

  • How will his campaign in the electorate seat of Panmure-Otahuhu be different from the last four times?

  • Co-ethnic exploitation of Indian migrants is still rampant. Why hasn't he taken a tough stand on this, in spite of promising earlier that he will name and shame such Kiwi-Indian employers?

  • With India deciding not to join the RCEP, what will happen to New Zealand-India relations going forward?

  • What are his achievements of the last 12 years, since 2008, during the time he has been in the New Zealand Parliament?

- This story first appeared in The Indian News. The original story is posted here.