Najib: BN won't interfere in MIC leadership tussle

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today reiterated that neither he nor the Barisan Nasional (BN) would interfere in the MIC leadership transition issue. However, he said the party should not indulge in caste-based politics as this would eventually lead to the downfall of the largest Indian-based political party in the country.

Saying that BN recognised the contribution of the MIC and its long-serving president S Samy Vellu for contributions to the betterment of the nation and the Malaysian Indian community, Najib said that at present, not only the BN was at a crossroads but also the MIC.

“We have come to a cross-roads in the political context. This crossroads is not only for the MIC but also for all component parties. All political parties in the BN should seriously look at their respective weaknesses and rectify them as soon as possible.

“While we recognise the achievements of the MIC over the last 64 years, we must also recognise the weaknesses and rectify them. Problems like Maika Holdings, is also being rectified. We are committed to solving the woes of the community.

“We recognise that not all Indian problems can be solved by the MIC. It would need the help of the government in resolving the problems of the community. We should not solely blame Samy Vellu for everything... we must work as a team,” he said.

Speaking to about 2,000 MIC divisional delegates at the party’s 64th annual general assembly here, the prime minister said the MIC would be able to deliver if the party made changes according to the changing times, taking into account the current needs of the 1.8 million-Malaysian Indian community.

'Be progressive'

Najib said internal politicking in the MIC would only weaken the party, adding that there was no need for the MIC to be more inclusive.

“Don’t let the leadership problem in the MIC sap the energy of the party. It must be solved in a way that strengthens the MIC. I will not interfere but please do not fight and destroy this party. Choose your leadership for a better and stronger MIC,” said Najib.

Since the 2008 general election, which saw the BN suffer a humiliating defeat losing its two-thirds majority in Parliament, Samy Vellu has been under massive pressure to step down as party chief after 30 years at the helm. The MIC supremo has announced that he would vacate the post in September 2011.

On the caste system practised in the party, Najib said that a person’s caste should not be a factor in picking leaders but it should be based on the capability of a person.

“Don’t be carried away with this caste system. I know some people refused to garland leaders just because the leader was of a lower caste. The MIC must be a progressive party... Umno is changing and MIC must also do the same,” he added.

He said the Malaysian Indians were already divided and that there was no need for the community to be further divided.

Taking a swipe at all the three major Tamil newspapers – Malaysian Nanbam, Makkal Osai and Tamil Nesan – Najib said these dailies were being used to further the political mileage of certain leaders without realising that they were destroying their own community by dividing it.

“The newspapers should help in changing the mindset of the Indian community, uniting the community but this is not happening. On the part of the government, we are doing more than ever before to assist the Indian community.

“Please strengthen the MIC to move forward. We in the BN had made mistakes in the past and they have been rectified. We will have to work together to ensure we win the 13th general election,” he said.

courtesy of FMT