Samy Vellu, MIC and Malaysian Indians

by prabu

The only so called champion for the Malaysian Indians in the last 3 decades is the one and only Samy Vellu. His journey to where he is now has not been easy. He worked his way up from rags-to-riches. However scandals, gangsterism, corruption, swindle, empty promises have marred his reputation but his iron-fist autocracy in his party has ensured his survival. He remains the undisputed most powerful leader of a political party in the nation.

Apart from the infamous Maika and Telekom scandals in the past, the recent toll hikes, MRR2 flyover incidents, public building mishaps, deplorable conditions of Tamil schools, his ignorance the recent temple demolition sphere by local governments and the Hindu-Muslim couple apostasy cases have thrown his sincerity of being the Malaysian Indians champion into question.

In the past he might have got away from this type of incident, however people are well informed now with the progress of internet. He could claim that in the recent Ijok by-election, results show 80% of Ijok Indian voters crossed BN on the ballot paper. However this people are basically rural folks and would be happy if their basic amenities and infrastructure are taken care of. Thus, they were bought over with instant road resurfacing, street lights, temple renovations promises and election ang-pows. This officially turned the by-election to a buy-election. According to Malaysiakini, thugs were even used to block the ingress of opposition to the their residential area during the by-election. They would also most likely regularly watches the RTM Tamil News and reads Tamil Nesan which is a propaganda arm of MIC and Samy Vellu.

How is he going to win over urban folks? His got a mountain to climb. I personally have witnessed my friends from all walks of life changing their perception about the Malaysian government and MIC when they are exposed to the news blogs and electronic media where government has virtually no control. These blogs are not only run by the oppositions, but rather more and more unhappy Malaysian like myself find this as a their way of sharing their thought with fellow countrymen throughout the world. Being in a foreign land where most of the government policies are made transparent and debatable gives a more secured feeling than living in a country like Malaysia where most government is a policy comes with a hidden agenda and not questionable.

Albeit all this, it is undeniable there have been some contribution from MIC to the Indian community. This is especially in the education sector, where we have seen the emergence of TAFE College have played a major role in moulding vocational and technical skilled personnel among the middle class and lower class Indian, MIED Education Fund have helped hundreds of Indian student to continue their higher studies, though it comes with a 6% interest rate. Indians would have been a better community if Samy Vellu had managed to eradicate nepotism and caste based politics MIC, more thorough action to address gangsterism among Indians youths, more funds for Tamils Schools and upgrade of living standards of estates and rural Indian folks.

Failure of MIC to get another ministerial post for MIC in the cabinet, increase the number of Excos in State Assemblies and MPs have significantly reduced their credibility to fight for Indian plight in Malaysia. Samy Vellu failures to choose a creditable candidate but rather those who scratch his back nearly cost them a seat in the name of Ijok. This was voiced by the Ijok locals where they claimed they have hardly seen previous ADUN K. Sivalingam in the constituency since the last election. The last thing we want in our voted representatives, are those who take up the position merely to expand their businesses and personal wealth rather than serving the public.