Admitting that there had been several weaknesses in the government’s implementation and delivery system that led to the Indian sometimes losing out in various fields, he said the party would rectify them. “There are weaknesses, but they can and will be corrected.

Some people keep on condemning the 25/11 rally as unnecessary, "not our culture", penyangak, and so many other things. Just imagine the rally never took place. Would the Indian community get any attention. Nothing much in the last 20 -30 years. But now, more airtime in news, committees set up to manage temple issues, meeting with PM, awareness on equal rights, among others have occurred. Something that the leading party had failed to highlight or do while in power. But now, claiming there is some problem with implementation. For so many years, there was no weakness/problem is it? Only now the eye can see? Looks like a jolt like the rally is indeed needed.

SAMY VELLU: My door is always open

BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, SUN:

“My door is always open,” said MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to the Indians, especially to the youths and professionals.

Samy Vellu, who is also Works Minister, said he was willing to listen to any problem faced by the Indians, especially the youths. “Indian youths play a major role in ensuring unity within the community as they are a major force that will shape its future direction,” he said in a statement issued here today. Appreciating the role of Indian youths as “people who have the courage and wisdom to bring changes to the community,” he said the party was not making promises merely to canvas for support from the Indians.

“But MIC will strive to bring justice and fairness to them through the government by taking the necessary action,” he said.

Admitting that there had been several weaknesses in the government’s implementation and delivery system that led to the Indian sometimes losing out in various fields, he said the party would rectify them. “There are weaknesses, but they can and will be corrected.

“No government in the world can satisfy 100 percent the needs of their people. But what is important is to ensure that what we deserve is attained.”

Samy Vellu said the party would adopt a different and more practical approach in tackling the problems of the Indians. “We have been vigorously taking the necessary steps in the last four months and we expect to see some positive results soon,” he said. “We will be more open to hear their views, especially from the Indian youths.”

He said Malaysian Indians needed to unite to safeguard their future in this country, adding that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had been sympathetic to their plight and had promised to address their problems.

Samy Vellu said the party which had laid a strong educational foundation for the Indian community with the creation of two institutions, namely TAFE College and the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology, was now striving to raise their economic position with several measures taken with the help of the government. “MIC has also fought hard to ensure better housing, healthcare and employment through training for the poor, especially single mothers and youths.”

He said the Indian community in Malaysia should not fall into despair, adding that only the Barisan Nasional (BN) government could ensure their future. “They should not be duped by the opposition parties who only want their votes in the coming general election.” However, he said, the party would work with anyone who wished to see the progress and development of the Indian community, but would fight “to the ground those who poison the minds of the Indians”.