MALAYSIAN INDIAN CONGRESS (MIC) STATUS AS INDIAN REPRESENTATIVE IS BEEN CHALLENGED

The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) which claims to be the 'champions of the Indian community' is faced with a dilemma. Since the recently concluded general election where it witnessed the defeat of most of its candidates, the status of MIC being the BN's main leader of the Indian community is been questioned. Although repeatedly the MIC President, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu had maintained that his party is the sole representative of the Indian community, his own recent defeat to regain his parliamentary seat had raised serious doubts, since he seem to be unable to fulfil his pledges with matters affecting the Indian community.

The People's Progressive Party (PPP) had staked a claim that they have received the blessing of the Prime Minister and BN Chairman to represent the Indian community. Recently appointed Senator and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, T Murugiah made this claim which the MIC totally disagrees.

Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu was quoted as saying after meeting Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein at Parliament House that the sole-cabinet member, Datuk S Subramaniam, who is also MIC Secretary-General is the sole minister representing the Indian community and claimed that many Indians approach MIC now while the MIC takes good care of their needs and solve their problems.

It was also revealed that Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi next week to seek his assistance in providing immediate financial and welfare assistance to uplift the community.

Will MIC be able to fulfil them?

photo courtesy of Avenue of Expression