Dr Subra: No compromise on Interlok

The MIC deputy president dismisses rumours claiming that he has compromised on his stand regarding the controversial book.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam denied that he had compromised on his stand regarding the Interlok novel.

According to the human resources minister, several irresponsible quarters were spreading false rumours about the matter.

“I never compromised. There is no truth to the allegation,” he said, adding that he had always conveyed the views of the Indian community during Cabinet meetings.

“In my discussions during the last few Cabinet meetings, I strongly represented the views of the community and the impact the book and its phrases would have on the minds of the young people.

“I had reiterated repeatedly the stand of the Indian community that the book must be withdrawn and not be used as a text for literature,” he said.

The novel, penned by national laureate Abdullah Hussain, was introduced as a component for the Malay literature subject for Form Five students this year.

However, Indian groups, including MIC, objected, arguing that the book contained disparaging and inaccurate information regarding the community.

Numerous protests and scores of police reports had been lodged over the matter, but the government had yet to make a decision.

Yesterday, MIC president G Palanivel said he was confident that a positive solution was in the making and an announcement would be made soon.

Following this, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also education minister, said he had a formula ro resolve the crisis and would discuss it with MIC leaders.

This morning, Hindraf Makkal Sakti issued an ultimatum to the government to either remove the book or face legal action.

Several groups like the National Writers Federation (Gapena) had defended Interlok, saying that it was a work of literature and should not be politicised. - FMT