“When you speak Tamil with power, they call you a poet, not a leader”

 

LAST Wednesday at the MIC Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the atmosphere was electric. The occasion? The launch of “Valluvar’s Hidden Wisdom – Commentary by Vairamuthu” ( Valluvar Marai Vairamuthu Urai). The hall brimmed with lovers of Tamil literature, including students, scholars, elders, and writers.

MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan officiated the event. The legendary poet Vairamuthu stood beside him, his words etched into the soul of Tamil culture. But it was his keynote that stirred the room.

“Thiruvalluvar was not just a poet—he was a leader. Today, when someone speaks Tamil with eloquence, society calls them a poet. Why not a leader?”

He didn’t stop there.

“Language is not just beauty. It’s power. It’s leadership,” he added.

In a world where style often overshadows substance, Saravanan’s words cut through the noise. He reminded us that commanding the Tamil language isn’t a flourish—it’s a force. A leader who speaks with clarity and conviction in Tamil isn’t just reciting poetry. He’s shaping futures.

Just a day earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had unveiled a sweeping cabinet reshuffle—27 changes in all. It was a clear signal: The 16th general election (GE16) is on the horizon.

The political chessboard is shifting, especially after Pakatan Harapan’s stumble in Sabah. But while others scrambled, MIC stood still. No panic. No press conferences. Instead, they celebrated.

That same night, MIC hosted a grand birthday celebration for President Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Over 2,000 guests filled the hall—former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob among them.

It wasn’t just a party. It was a statement: unity, strength, and unshakable confidence.

The next morning, Saravanan was back at MIC headquarters, leading the book launch. The crowd was just as strong. The message was clear—MIC’s bond with the Indian community is not just intact. It’s thriving.

While others chase positions, MIC is chasing purpose. Culture. Education. Dignity. These are the pillars it builds on.

Pundits are busy dissecting UMNO’s resurgence, DAP’s recalibration, and the political maneuvering behind the reshuffle. But MIC isn’t playing that game. It’s playing the long game.

Some question MIC’s relevance. But history answers louder than any critic. Without MIC and MCA, there would be no Barisan Nasional. No multiracial coalition. No Malaysia as we know it. Since 1946, MIC has stood tall. And it still does.

Anwar’s reshuffle may signal a new political tide. UMNO is rising. DAP is repositioning. The appointment of two Chinese leaders to helm the Federal Territories portfolio is a clear nod to urban Chinese voters.

And MIC? MIC doesn’t need a cabinet seat to validate its worth. Its strength lies in its roots—in its people, its principles, its purpose. It doesn’t shout. It shows.

With GE16 expected in February 2028, the Madani government has much to prove. But MIC isn’t waiting for an invitation. It’s already moving—on its own terms.

In a political landscape full of noise, MIC’s voice remains steady: We’re here. We’re relevant. We’re rising. And that fire? It’s not just burning. It’s blazing. 

M. Vivekananthan is the aide to Deputy President of MIC and Tapah MP.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.