‘Najib must clarify Palanivel’s position’

MIC president's appointment as the lead minister for socio-economic development of Indians creates ambiguity, says Klang MP Charles Santiago.

PETALING JAYA: The government must explain MIC president G Palanivel’s appointment as lead minister for socio-economic development of Indians, said Klang MP Charles Santiago.

He said the clarification is vital since Palanivel’s new position is vague as Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is also heading the cabinet committee on Indian affairs, which was formed in 2008.

“Is the cabinet committee irrelevant now or is Palanivel going to lead the cabinet committee? asked Santiago

“Is Najib supporting Palanivel’s bid to retain his position as MIC chief against a possible contest from Dr S Subramaniam (Human Resources Minister and MIC deputy president)?”

“He cannot be appointed a lead minister simply to bribe Indians to vote for BN,” said Santiago in response to Najib’s announcement.

Two days ago, Najib named Palanivel, who is also Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, as lead minister for socio-economic development of Indians.

Santiago said he plans to meet Palanivel to find out the MIC leader’s plans for the Indian community, adding that the new position “merely adds layers to the bureaucracy”.

The DAP leader also took Najib to task for asking for Indians to have ‘nambikkai’ (trust) in BN.

“The Indians have been giving their trust to the government for years and the community is still marginalised. What is needed is historical justice,” said Santiago.

He said that the government was in fact indebted to the Indian community for their accumulated contributions in the plantation sector.

“Without the Indians’ contribution which jump-started Malaysia’s economy, Malaysia won’t be where it is today,” said Santiago.