No end in sight for MIC leadership crisis

Party likely to be irrelevant by next general election if infighting continues at its current intensity.

COMMENT

By R Kengadharan

The holding of separate party elections by the two rival factions of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is nothing more than political power jugglery. The recent issue of aggression, polarised politics, hate mongering and fighting between members should not be a trademark of the MIC.

Regrettably the party never seems to outgrow this image.

The immaturity and intolerance that place harmony and dialogue under threat has caused shame to the extent that the Barisan Nasional leadership has said: “Do what you want to do but if later the party splits and has issues and disputes, don’t blame us.”

The current fiasco in MIC betrays the very members whose interests it claims to protect.

It became necessary for the Barisan Nasional to interfere to resolve the party’s crisis before matters got out of control but this has failed despite calls by the Prime Minister for introspection.

It is a fact that the MIC is a key component of the coalition representing the ethnic Indian community comprising 10 per cent of the 30 million population. But the party seems unable to consolidate its position.

Let us not forget that for the last 30 years the MIC has not mounted any substantial challenge to government policies and has failed to consider the legitimate grievances of the Indian community.

The recent leadership tussle suggests that the MIC is not capable of creating significant impact in the 14th General Election. Many Indians today have lost their trust in the party.

These perceptions cannot be changed overnight, consequently loyal supporters fear the MIC might not win enough seats in Parliament to lengthen its life and the current rival political infighting has contributed considerably to that fear.

Rival groups in the MIC do not seem to want reconciliation and seem not to understand the gravity of their situation. MIC’s rebranding has been a huge flop and the party has lost its moral right to represent the Indian community.

The MIC is now seen as a political vehicle without any ideology and is a stumbling block and a hindrance to the Indian community. It must now watch its step carefully if it desires to remain relevant or become a redundant political party before the 14th General Election.

FMT reader R Kengadharan is a lawyer and former ISA detainee.