poobalan.com

Former MIC deputy president S Subramaniam has denied the accusation that he created the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) movement.

He was responding to his former boss and political nemesis MIC president S Samy Vellu. 

In a recent interview with India-based magazine Kumudam Reporter, Samy Vellu said that Subramaniam started Hindraf to campaign against him as a result of being disgruntled over his defeat in the contest for the MIC number two post in 2006.

The two veteran politicians have been embroiled in a protracted feud which culminated in Subramaniam losing to G Palanivel – Samy Vellu's preferred candidate – in the party polls.

Over the years, the MIC president has accused his estranged ex-deputy of numerous misdeeds, including being a 'back stabber'.

Commenting on his latest allegation, Subramaniam said the MIC president has now taken his blame game against him overseas.

"After all that has been said about Hindraf, Samy Vellu has suddenly come up with a new discovery – that I started Hindraf," he told Malaysiakini today.

"Who started Hindraf? Who is behind it? How many years has it been active? What are the reasons behind its struggle? These are questions I need not answer, as the people already know the answers," he said.

Subramaniam stressed that he has always fought his political battles on his own. "I don’t need to create any platform or hide behind any platform for this."

'Same old tune'

On that note, the veteran politician said he will fight alongside any movement or organisation whose struggle is genuine. 

"Whatever organisation or movement it may be, if their struggle is genuine, if they are fighting for the upliftment of the Indian community, for our rights, I am always ready to fight alongside or lend my voice to them.

"However, the demands made must be reasonable, not be twisted and the struggle should not cause racial divisions in the country. Only this kind of struggle will benefit the community in the long run," he added.

Subramaniam also pointed out that he was the first to urge the government to review the attempted murder charge slapped against 31 individuals in connection with a rally organised by Hindraf on Nov 25.

"There are media reports to prove this," he said.

The former MIC deputy president called on his former boss to stop the practice of 'covering up' his shortcomings and blaming others.

"He should stop singing the same old tune which he has been singing for 29 years, the people are tired of hearing it," he said.

On the contrary, he said the focus should be on the issues behind the community's struggle.

The Hindraf rally drew some 30,000 people to the streets in Kuala Lumpur. Following this, MIC and its leaders have come under intense pressure as the party has been accused of failing to represent the community.

The government has labelled Hindraf as an extremist movement and five of its leaders are being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) after being accused of having links with terror groups.