Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email In previous elections, we only had to contend with issues pertaining to the party and leaders which we managed to overcome. This time, we are facing a much bigger problem which affects the people directly.
– what an understatement!
Issues raised by Hindraf like those pertaining to Tamil schools, Hindu temples, job opportunities for Indians in the government service and social ills in the Indian community have been raised by MIC at legitimate forums. In our party annual general assemblies, we discuss all issues relevant to the community and resolutions are forwarded to the relevant government agencies. These issues are also raised by our president at cabinet meetings and in meetings with ministers and other government officials.
– yes, issues has been raised. in fact, I think the resolutions at MIC general assembly has been more or less the same for quite some time now. How effective has it been as compared to a recent one time rally?
Many Tamil schools have been relocated and rebuilt and land has been given by state governments to relocate and rebuild temples.
– many tamil schools? how many?
We have made representations that partially-aided Tamil schools be converted to fully-aided Tamil schools.
– and what happened to the “representations”?
We will continue to serve, we will get the results’
PATRICK SENNYAH
source
MIC is coming under intense scrunity by Indians following the unprecedented street demonstration over Indian rights and the murder of a state assemblyman. Party secretary-general Dr S. Subramaniam tells PATRICK SENNYAH that the party will weather the storm
Q: Is the forthcoming general election going to be MIC’s greatest challenge ever?
A: Yes. In previous elections, we only had to contend with issues pertaining to the party and leaders which we managed to overcome. This time, we are facing a much bigger problem which affects the people directly.
We will do what we can to speak to the people to win their support. We hope they will be able to see the larger picture and continue supporting the Barisan Nasional. We are sincere and doing all we can to address issues affecting the Indian community. Only certain segments of the people have been influenced by Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force).
Tenggaroh state assemblyman Datuk S. Krishnasamy’s death is a tragic event. We have lost an effective grassroots leader. However, this will not have any bearing on the functioning of the party. We hope the police will identify those responsible.
Q: What has MIC been doing to counter allegations made during the demonstration?
A: Hindraf affected the way some people perceive the MIC. As people begin to think deeply about the issues concerning the community, the negative perception of MIC will fade away.
Issues raised by Hindraf like those pertaining to Tamil schools, Hindu temples, job opportunities for Indians in the government service and social ills in the Indian community have been raised by MIC at legitimate forums.
In our party annual general assemblies, we discuss all issues relevant to the community and resolutions are forwarded to the relevant government agencies..
These issues are also raised by our president at cabinet meetings and in meetings with ministers and other government officials.
There have been areas in which changes have been brought about. Many Tamil schools have been relocated and rebuilt and land has been given by state governments to relocate and rebuild temples.
We have made representations that partially-aided Tamil schools be converted to fully-aided Tamil schools.
But there are still areas which need to be addressed and we will continue to engage the government till we get positive results.
We have gone to the ground (MIC has been organising road shows) to tell the Indian community that the party has been representing the interests of the Indian community at all levels all these years.
Q: Do you think these road shows have helped repair the image of the party?
A: Clear-thinking people recognise the role of the MIC in the government as the representative of the Indian community and give the party the support it needs.
The MIC has presented all the issues at recognised platforms while Hindraf presented it on a different platform
