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

The MIC gathering announced early of the year by SV will be held tomorrow. If anyone is going, I hope can provide some feedback and photos.

Venue: Cheras Badminton Stadium
Time: was mentioned as 4pm, but not sure.

MIC gathering show of support for PM, govt, says Samy Vellu

BERNAMA

source

PUTRAJAYA, Sat:
The gathering of 15,000 MIC members at a meeting with the prime minister in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow evening is not a show of strength by the party but a demonstration of support for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the government, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said today.

Organised by the Federal Territory MIC and dubbed “An Evening with the Prime Minister”, the event at the Cheras Badminton Stadium will gather the largest ever number of MIC members at one location in recent times.

“The gathering will pledge support for the Barisan Nasional (BN) and the prime minister. This is the start of a series of such gatherings throughout the country aimed at bolstering the party’s strength and support for the BN ahead of the next general election,” the MIC chief told Bernama, when contacted.

Carrying the theme “Unity and Solidarity with the BN”, the event would set the stage for a more cohesive and coordinated effort to unite the Malaysian Indian community. Samy Vellu is expected to use the gathering to speak on the need for the country’s 1.8 million Indians to continue to lend their support to the ruling BN government and why they should be wary of tactics employed by the opposition parties to hoodwink Malaysian Indians at large.

“Indians can judge the MIC and BN through our track records. They know we are here to help and assist them in uplifting their standing. We have done that all along and we would not abandon our aim,” said Samy Vellu, who is also Works Minister.

The MIC president is also expected to emphasise the importance for the community to give attention to gaining a proper education so as to uplift its socio-economic status.

Recently, Samy Vellu announced various changes to the way the MIC would operate, including adopting new and more practical methods, in dealing with problems of the community. He has also promised to introduce new and younger MIC candidates to contest under the BN banner in the next general election, likely to be held in March.

“The Jan 20 gathering is not a show of strength but (a meeting) to send a loud and clear message that Malaysian Indians are united,” he added.

The senior Cabinet minister also had a word of caution for the opposition, saying that “they should not play with fire”. “The opposition should stop giving the community false hopes and promise the sky. They should also stop the lies and baseless allegations against the MIC and the government,” Samy Vellu said.

“The MIC will never let the community down and will fight till the last breath to ensure that their grievances are addressed. “We have been doing it for the past 62 years (since the formation of the party). Nothing will stop us from fighting for our community. We will do the right things the right way at the right time,” he said. — BERNAMA