I saw the interview on “Karathu Kaalam” (Saturday 6-7pm, TV2, 14 June), but only from halfway. Interestingly, the survey done via the show indicates that more than 86% of the voters want a MIC leader who can speak Tamil fluently as one of the criteria.
Samy was calm and jovial at times, throughout the interview, conducted by Paandithurai. He tried to captivate the audience with flowery Tamil, but looking at the comments from viewers scrolling on the TV, not so successful. Many of the comments looke like came from MIC members (as indicated on the messages).
Samy highlights th criteria to be the MIC’s numero uno:
- must prove to have the party and the people’s interests at heart.
- must earn the trust and respect of party members
- must have displayed leadership qualities and people-oriented
- must be near the people, communicate with them, know and resolve their problems and have the peoples interests in his or her heart
He reiterated his retirement date is in 2012, meaning another term as President is imminent.
As for amending the party constitution to limit the president’s tenure, Samy dismissed the idea, saying that its pointless.
If you set it to a specific term, the president may not want to do more or have a long-term plan.
He or she may feel why should they think about the future plans of the party since they will only serve for a short period.
No matter what, the president will still have to be elected every three years. If the members feel the president has not performed well, they can boot them out in every election.
Now, is that a sly attack on MCA and other entities who limit their leader’s terms? Anyway, I think Samy contradicts himself when he says the successor should have party and its members interest at heart, yet worried that by limiting the term would cause president to think for short term only. A good president would plan for beyond his time, and when his time is up, his successor can evaluate and make changes to the plan if required to. Limiting the term would ensure that the president does not misuse his position, does not make changes to strengthen his hold on the party, and not become all-mighty person ruling with an iron fist.
Changing leader will also bring fresh breath of air, provide opportunity for more people to lead, and ignite interest in politics among the younger generation.
9 years is long time. If a leader can’t achieve his plans in 9 years, why should he continue?