MIC veteran urges unity as bitter contest looms

Speculation is rife that MIC, which is struggling to retain its relevance, would witness a contest for the top post, which observers claim could render it a fatal blow.

It is said that current deputy president Dr S Subramaniam would be mounting a challenge against G Palanivel in the presidential elections.

In view of this, former vice-president and disciplinary committee head KS Nijhar (left) has urged the top leaders to unite to avert a conflict which MIC could ill-afford at this juncture.

He was responding to a report published inThe Malaysian Times under the headline "MIC presidential election, conflict vs unity". 

"The need of the hour is unity at the level of the president and deputy president. They must work together for the common good," said Nijhar.

The MIC veteran, who is known to be a close associate of Palanivel, added that the Central Working Committee (CWC) must ensure that the top posts were not contested.

He said the CWC, the party's highest decision making body, must instead impress on the top leaders to focus on a blueprint for the Indian community’s political, economic, social and cultural progress.

"The Indian community is the poorest of the poor and involved in gangsterism in a manner never before seen. In many instances, they are seen as even worse than the new migrants.

"We must address these issues forcibly and urgently before it goes on a route of unstoppable decline," he added.

In order to achieve this, Nijhar said the top leadership must be united.

The veteran leader also explained that it was not a proposal to set aside the democratic practice of holding elections.

"Let democracy prevail by allowing contests at the vice-presidents level, the CWC, divisional level, the Youth level as well as in the Wanita, Putera and Puteri wings.

"Hence, we will have a good combination of unity and contests as well as conflicts and constructive work for the good of the party, community and leadership," he said.