MIC president SA Vigneswaran said the party was ready to cooperate with all political parties, in an effort to deal with issues related to Indians in the country.
However, he stressed that MIC would not compromise when it comes to parties that promoted casteism.
Vigneswaran said this after attending a press conference regarding the collaboration between MIC and Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party at Menara Dato Onn, in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.
"What the prime minister (Anwar Ibrahim) suggested should start here (the collaboration between MIC and Makkal Sakti).
"We, as leaders, have seen racial division and this will harm the country’s development.
"Therefore, we are today announcing that MIC will establish cooperation with MMSP," said the former Senate president.
Also present were MMSP president RS Thanenthiran and MIC deputy president M Saravanan.
The two parties also agreed to establish a secretariat to find a strategy to unify the people and develop the community.
When asked, Vigneswaran reiterated that MIC was ready to work with all parties, except caste-based parties or organisations.
"Personally, I did not invite anyone other than Makkal Sakthi (for the purpose of cooperation). Anyone (Indian political party) can join this secretariat.
"That is not a problem, we are ready to cooperate with anyone for the benefit of the Indian community.
"We are a political party, not a caste organisation, as long as they are a political party, we have no problem cooperating. However, we will not cooperate with caste-based organisations.”
Vigneswaran said that MIC cannot accept groups which seek to divide Indians, as the community is already a minority in the country.
Although he did not name anyone, Vigneswaran was believed to be referring to the chairperson of a caste organisation - who is said to be holding a series of meetings with former MIC leaders and leaders from other political parties to establish a new pro-Pakatan Harapan political party - Mkini
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