UPDATE 12/4: As expected, there’s a slew of denial issued by Palanivel in Malaysiakini, Saravanan and Dr S Subra (NST).

“We have not heard about such a move. Whatever decision on any matter concerning the party has always been discussed with the party president in the central working committee.

“If there are any differences within the Barisan Nasional, they will be discussed behind closed doors and resolved amicably.”

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I was quite surprised with the title of Malaysiakini article – “MIC mulls pulling out of new cabinet“. MIC is not the type to rock the boat, and the info revealed came from a “party insider”, meaning we can expect Samy or other top honchos to issue denial tomorrow.

The reason for MIC’s anger is the treatment given to it by Najib. Not being allocated a more powerful ministry (Works Ministry is seen as more powerful than Human Resources) is seen as an insult to the Indian community. MIC have appealed many times to get back Works Ministry, but nothing materialised. So, MIC wants bigger posts, and using community name to gain it.  For them, the status of Human Resource Ministry does not reflect the position of Indians as the third largest community (err..aren’t the Indonesians more than us?)

“The decision is expected to be made soon, perhaps at the next MIC central working committee meeting later this month,” he said.

The party insider said topping the list of grouses is the fact that the Indians were still being ‘treated as second or even third class’ citizens in the country.

MIC claims to slowly getting back the support of the community as seen in the two Bukit by-elections, so the lack of reward/incentive in the new line-up is unacceptable.

MIC also find it hard to accept that parties that claim to represent communities which did not vote for BN most of the time is given more positions (MCA – 4 ministers and 7 deputy, Gerakan – 1 minister and 2 deputy).  Well, grow up la…that’s politics. The new government need to please the Chinese a bit so that can boost the economy. Indians, apa ada? duit tadak, bising banyak., semua mau mintak kerajaan. And, the other parties have changed leadership, so got some new faces. MIC apa ada? Same old faces only. I think the main problem is that the leader has not changed. So, this may be a snub to Samy rather than punishing the community.

When contacted, Samy Vellu declined to comment on the matter but those close to the veteran politician conceded that he was very unhappy with the current situation.

Well, what to do, nasi dah nak jadi bubur. If MIC pull out now, then it can be more “independent” says the party insider. But it will be toothless tiger. No one will entertain them anymore. Good opening for PPP’s Murugiah to step in and take lead.

One would wonder why only now is there a proposal to limit the term of MIC office-bearers. I can’t remember any such proposal in the last 30 years during the MIC AGM or general assembly. Anyone can clarify? MCA had implement a limit since last two years. I think many other parties don’t have such limit, be it ruling or opposition parties.

Proponents say the limit will ensure new blood and ideas are constantly injected into the party. Detractors say there’ will be constant infighting/competition for posts and that long-term plans can’t be implemented if got term limit. But I think a 5-6 year term is more than enough to attain few milestones of a long term plan of, let’s say, 30 years. Let the next person come in and fine tune the plans put in place.

Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, who has been MIC president for 11 terms, is proposing that the party limits the term of office-bearers as part of its re-branding exercise to regain the trust of the Indian community.

This is among the last mandate which he wants to accomplish as he enters the last lap of his presidency.

He has held the post since 1979 and has become the longest-serving leader in Barisan Nasional.

Samy Vellu said that besides limiting the term of office-bearers, the party wants to attract younger leaders in an attempt to regain its position as the main party for Indians.

“We want to ensure that MIC becomes a party with equal opportunities for the young and old,” he told newsmen after meeting party leaders at a hotel here yesterday.

Samy Vellu said these were among several proposals that he wants to implement before retiring from politics.

So, what do you think? Is term limit good or bad? If good, how long should a limit be?