KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on the MIC not to use the caste system as a key or determinant factor to choose leaders at all levels.
Leaders must be selected, based on their ability, capability and credibility to serve the Indian community, he said.
Leaders must be selected, based on their ability, capability and credibility to serve the Indian community, he said.
"Just because you are from the lower caste, doesn't mean you cannot hold position in MIC. Are you to be condemned forever?
"No. MIC must be a modern progressive party which adopts to changes and not be too carried away by the caste system to choose the leaders.
"We should look at him...is he the best leader for the Indian community? If he is the best leader, doesn't matter where he comes from.
"In Umno, we don't practise that. In Umno, there are a son of rubber tapper, son of nelayan (fisherman) jadi (becoming) menteri besar, ada anak petani jadi menteri (we have a farmer's son becoming minister), that is social mobility.
"We want social mobility in this country and that is important for the Indian community," he said in his speech at the MIC 64th General Assembly here Sunday.
Najib also called on the MIC to emulate the "changes" taking shape in Umno now.
"This is what I mean, change. Umno is changing, you must also change together, we changed for the better. And I promise, as prime minister, I will be fair to all the communities," he said in his speech at the MIC's 64th General Assembly here today.
Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, was confident that MIC could deliver, if the party was willing to change with the times and also recognised the signals of the Indian community.
"What are the signals of the Indian community? That, you have to ask yourself, I don't want to speak on behalf of the Indian community," he said.
He also gave a word of advice to MIC leaders to refrain from internal politics as it could destroy the party.
"Don't get carried away with MIC politics. Internal politics will only destroy MIC. If you realise that, and you realise that you need to serve the Indian community better, then MIC will be the stronger and more respected party," he said.
The prime minister also reminded MIC leaders to solve their party leadership woes in a way that could strengthen the party, and not destroy it.
--BERNAMA
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"I Did What Was Right For The Community" - Samy Vellu
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- While admitting that some of his decisions might not have gone down well with certain quarters, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said he only did "what was right" for the community and the party.
"There were many instances whereby, my decisions were disliked, but I believe that as a leader, I had done what was right for the people.
"I had to do the right thing, and at the same time, get the things right for the community," he told 3,000 MIC delegates and observers at the opening of the 64th MIC general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre on Saturday.
Samy Vellu, who will call it a day on or before Sept 30, next year, after almost 32 years helming the party, said his leadership era was "tough, testing and challenging".
"There were social, structural changes that were taking place in the community, and predicaments in the education, economic, employment and religious sectors were constantly brought to us in the MIC leadership," he said.
The MIC chief also lashed out at certain individuals for dividing the Indian community, resulting in the formation of many small political parties.
�Many of us are guilty of splitting the Indian community into various small, insignificant and fragmented groups which claim to champion for their narrow-based (minded) causes.
He said, on one side, there were non-governmental organisations which seemed to be championing educational issues, while on the other, there were Indian groups which claimed to represent the voice of the underprivileged.
There were also groups formed solely to gain political support, but were unable to sustain their presence as they did not have a clear road map for the Indian community, he noted.
�As much as many of us love to deny the truth, it is a matter of fact that despite all the challenges faced, the MIC persists to remain strong, relevant, vibrant, and is the one and the only voice of the Indian community,� said Samy Vellu.
The party president then invited all Indian-based political parties to close ranks and work closely with the MIC.
�Let�s unite as a united Indian force as this is essential to see Barisan Nasional through the upcoming general election.
�No matter how distinct our opinions are, let us put our differences aside and let�s harness our uniting factors such as the future of our children, as well as the community�s well-being. Let us also unite to work together as one with the other communities that we must co-exist with, in this prosperous nation,� he said.
Samy Vellu said over the past three decades, the MIC had transformed the Indians from a backward community into a respected community in Malaysia.
�We have built the foundation for the Malaysian Indian children who now have an opportunity to study, compete and achieve supremacy in any field of preference,� he said.
The former works minister said over the past three decades, he had devoted his life for the community, party and government.
�I started as a humble member of the party and with the support of party members, I have been fortunate enough to have the privilege to be given, a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the party and the community,� he said.
He said, there was much to be desired in the party's state of affairs, 30 years ago, and it was then that he decided to embark on a journey of change and transformation for the Indian community to achieve what others had, and at the same time, take charge of their lives and future.
Samy Vellu said he was extremely grateful to the people who assisted him throughout his presidency.
�I am profoundly grateful for the support of so many Malaysians who somehow know that I care about them at great extent, that I care about their problems and their dreams. I am grateful to those who have stood by me in the party and in the Barisan Nasional, and rendered undivided moral support for me.
�May God guide us together, in order to charter the path of success for the people,� he concluded in his speech.
-- BERNAMA
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Najib tells MIC to overcome politicking
UPDATED @ 06:51:52 PM 10-07-2010
July 10, 2010
Najib Razak issued a stern warning to MIC delegates today to not let its leadership crisis affect the party’s performance — Picture by Choo Choy May
The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said the MIC needed to be able to adapt and “change with the times” if it wanted to reach out to the Indian community. The party was badly mauled in Election 2008, losing its usual 100 per cent win record.
“Don’t let leadership problems sap the energy of MIC. Don’t get carried away with MIC politics. Internal politics can destroy (the party).
“My plea is...don’t fight and destroy MIC. You have to choose your leadership to make MIC better and stronger for the Indian community,” the prime minister said when opening the party’s annual general assembly.
In his speech during the 64th MIC annual general assembly here, Najib reprimanded leaders within the fractured Indian party for utilising the media to sow discord and achieve their own political ends.
“I see the Tamil newspapers...when you are using newspapers for your own political ends, you are destroying Barisan Nasional. You have to use the media for the betterment of the Indian community. I can be more specific than this, but I won’t,” said a smiling Najib who chose not to make any specific references to his speech.
The response to Najib’s speech was a stark contrast to MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu’s opening address.
Samy Vellu’s speech had only received a lacklustre response at best from delegates, but Najib had managed to fire up the crowd, wasting no time in addressing the problems that have been plaguing MIC for some time now.
“As you know, we are at a crossroads now, not only for MIC, but also Umno and other BN parties. The results of the 12th general elections have shown that all BN parties have to engage in some self-reflection, look honestly at our strengths and weaknesses,” said Najib.
But the Umno president was also cautious when he spoke about the need for MIC to move forward with a new leadership, and was careful not to upset Samy’s party loyalists.
He told delegates that Samy’s contributions to the party also have to be recognised.
“I, as BN chairman have to acknowledge MIC’s contributions in the context of strengthening BN.
“It cannot be denied that Samy’s role as the MIC president has long supported the BN leadership for all these years. MIC under Datuk Seri Samy Vellu has contributed to the development of the Indian community,” said Najib.
Najib said that Samy had been a champion of Indians’ right for many years, using the example of when Samy had brought up the issue of Indian students studying in Ukraine a few years back.
“I remember when Samy brought up the issue of Indian students in Ukraine, where their degrees were not recognised. Samy had wanted the government to recognise unrecognisable degrees,” said Najib in jest.
But Najib also urged delegates to recognise the party’s shortcomings and rectify its weaknesses.
“We are in the process of rectifying our weaknesses. Maika Holdings, yes we admit we had problems. But those problems will be rectified, the shareholders will get back their money,” said Najib.
The BN chairman said that MIC should not blame its president for all existing problems in the party, and that it desperately needed to “work together as a team” in order to move forward.
MIC delegates applaud Datuk Seri Najib's speech at the party's 64th annual meeting today — Picture by Choo Choy May
Najib announced that every single student who scored 9A+ in SPM will be offered JPA scholarships, irrespective of background.
“Out of 4,571 Indian students who applied for a place in public universities (this year), 2,499 students had qualified. From that amount, 2,304 secured place in local universities.
“That means 92.2 per cent of Indian students who are qualified were given places in our public universities.
“As the prime minister, I will be fair to all communities,” quipped Najib to a standing ovation from MIC delegates.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said the MIC needed to be able to adapt and “change with the times” if it wanted to reach out to the Indian community. The party was badly mauled in Election 2008, losing its usual 100 per cent win record.
“Don’t let leadership problems sap the energy of MIC. Don’t get carried away with MIC politics. Internal politics can destroy (the party).
“My plea is...don’t fight and destroy MIC. You have to choose your leadership to make MIC better and stronger for the Indian community,” the prime minister said when opening the party’s annual general assembly.
In his speech during the 64th MIC annual general assembly here, Najib reprimanded leaders within the fractured Indian party for utilising the media to sow discord and achieve their own political ends.
“I see the Tamil newspapers...when you are using newspapers for your own political ends, you are destroying Barisan Nasional. You have to use the media for the betterment of the Indian community. I can be more specific than this, but I won’t,” said a smiling Najib who chose not to make any specific references to his speech.
The response to Najib’s speech was a stark contrast to MIC president Datuk Seri Samy Vellu’s opening address.
Samy Vellu’s speech had only received a lacklustre response at best from delegates, but Najib had managed to fire up the crowd, wasting no time in addressing the problems that have been plaguing MIC for some time now.
“As you know, we are at a crossroads now, not only for MIC, but also Umno and other BN parties. The results of the 12th general elections have shown that all BN parties have to engage in some self-reflection, look honestly at our strengths and weaknesses,” said Najib.
But the Umno president was also cautious when he spoke about the need for MIC to move forward with a new leadership, and was careful not to upset Samy’s party loyalists.
He told delegates that Samy’s contributions to the party also have to be recognised.
“I, as BN chairman have to acknowledge MIC’s contributions in the context of strengthening BN.
“It cannot be denied that Samy’s role as the MIC president has long supported the BN leadership for all these years. MIC under Datuk Seri Samy Vellu has contributed to the development of the Indian community,” said Najib.
Najib said that Samy had been a champion of Indians’ right for many years, using the example of when Samy had brought up the issue of Indian students studying in Ukraine a few years back.
“I remember when Samy brought up the issue of Indian students in Ukraine, where their degrees were not recognised. Samy had wanted the government to recognise unrecognisable degrees,” said Najib in jest.
But Najib also urged delegates to recognise the party’s shortcomings and rectify its weaknesses.
“We are in the process of rectifying our weaknesses. Maika Holdings, yes we admit we had problems. But those problems will be rectified, the shareholders will get back their money,” said Najib.
The BN chairman said that MIC should not blame its president for all existing problems in the party, and that it desperately needed to “work together as a team” in order to move forward.
In reaching out to delegates, Najib said that MIC could not all the issues concerning the Indian community without the BN, and BN needed MIC as well.“Work with us, we are here to help you. In Hulu Selangor, Umno fought tooth and nail to make sure MIC won, and now we see our Hulu Selangor MP sitting with us (points at P. Kamalanathan.) Likewise, in Bagan Pinang, you helped us win. Umno cannot do it alone, and MIC cannot do it alone. We must be together and focus on overcoming the challenges of the Indian community,” added Najib.
Najib announced that every single student who scored 9A+ in SPM will be offered JPA scholarships, irrespective of background.
“Out of 4,571 Indian students who applied for a place in public universities (this year), 2,499 students had qualified. From that amount, 2,304 secured place in local universities.
“That means 92.2 per cent of Indian students who are qualified were given places in our public universities.
“As the prime minister, I will be fair to all communities,” quipped Najib to a standing ovation from MIC delegates.
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Samy Vellu insists MIC only voice for Indians
UPDATED @ 07:13:13 PM 10-07-2010
July 10, 2010
Datuk Seri Samy Vellu pleaded with his party to be united and to ignore splinter groups within the country’s small Indian community — Picture by Choo Choy May
Samy Vellu blamed these splinter groups for splitting the votes of the Indian community which resulted in a major loss of votes for ruling coalition Barisan Nasional. (BN)
“Many of us are guilty of splitting the Indian community into various small, insignificant and fragmented groups who claim to champion their narrow based causes.
“In one corner, we have NGOs who laud to champion for purposes of education whereas on the other corner we have Indian groups that claim to represent the voices of the underprivileged,” Samy Vellu said when opening the party’s annual congress here.
The longest-serving MIC president claimed that these groups would not be able to sustain their presence as they did not have a “clear road map” for the Indian community.
“As much of us love to deny the truth, it is a matter of fact that despite all the challenges faced, MIC persists to remain strong, relevant, vibrant and is the one and only voice of the Indian community,” he said at the MIC 64th General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here.
In his presidential address, Samy Vellu said that whatever decisions he had made during the last 30 years in the party were “for the people”.
In a swipe at his harshest critics, Samy Vellu said that he was aware that his decisions did not always sit well with some people.
“There were many instances whereby my decisions were disliked but I believe that as a leader I had done what was right for the people,” he said.
The former Works Minister’s remarks come amid strong pressures from within and outside the party to have him removed as party president.
An anti-Samy movement, (GAS), formed in the last few weeks led by MIC members who had been expelled by Samy himself have been going on a campaign to discredit the veteran politician.
But Samy defended himself today by reiterating that the decisions that he had made, though unpopular, were necessary for MIC’s advancement.
“Over the last 30 years, I have devoted my life and exuberance to and for the community, party and the government. The state of the party was much to be desired 30 years ago, and it was then that I decided to embark upon a journey of change and transformation in order to bring the Indian community to achieve what others have and at the same time to take charge of their lives and future,” said Samy.
The MIC man claimed that the party’s various contributions to the country’s growth were evident, using the examples of MIC-owned AIMST University and Tafe College.
Samy told delegates that he would seek the BN government’s support to allocate a quota of 15 per cent of all funds made available for the SMEs to be channelled to Indian SMEs.
The MIC president claimed that Indian SMEs could contribute 1 to 1.5 per cent to the country’s economical growth.
“I take this opportunity to invite all Indian based parties to close ranks and work closely with MIC, from either within or from outside at the national, state and district level for the betterment of the community. Let’s unite as a united Indian force as this is essential to see Barisan Nasional through the upcoming General Election,” added Samy.
But despite all of Samy’s bravado, his speech did not quite receive the encouraging response expected from the 2,000 odd delegates present.
But MIC vice-president Datuk S.K Devamany believes that majority of the party members were solidly behind Samy’s leadership.
“The delegates want a clear blueprint of what is in store for the Indian community. The issue of leadership, everyone is with Samy, the MIC wants a smooth leadership transition and we believe the president has the wisdom to do just that,” Devamany told The Malaysian Insider.
“We recognise that there has been neglect towards the Indian community. The time has now come for us to put it right, to reassure a better future for Indians in the country,” said Devamany.
Samy Vellu blamed these splinter groups for splitting the votes of the Indian community which resulted in a major loss of votes for ruling coalition Barisan Nasional. (BN)
“Many of us are guilty of splitting the Indian community into various small, insignificant and fragmented groups who claim to champion their narrow based causes.
“In one corner, we have NGOs who laud to champion for purposes of education whereas on the other corner we have Indian groups that claim to represent the voices of the underprivileged,” Samy Vellu said when opening the party’s annual congress here.
The longest-serving MIC president claimed that these groups would not be able to sustain their presence as they did not have a “clear road map” for the Indian community.
“As much of us love to deny the truth, it is a matter of fact that despite all the challenges faced, MIC persists to remain strong, relevant, vibrant and is the one and only voice of the Indian community,” he said at the MIC 64th General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here.
In his presidential address, Samy Vellu said that whatever decisions he had made during the last 30 years in the party were “for the people”.
In a swipe at his harshest critics, Samy Vellu said that he was aware that his decisions did not always sit well with some people.
“There were many instances whereby my decisions were disliked but I believe that as a leader I had done what was right for the people,” he said.
The former Works Minister’s remarks come amid strong pressures from within and outside the party to have him removed as party president.
An anti-Samy movement, (GAS), formed in the last few weeks led by MIC members who had been expelled by Samy himself have been going on a campaign to discredit the veteran politician.
But Samy defended himself today by reiterating that the decisions that he had made, though unpopular, were necessary for MIC’s advancement.
“Over the last 30 years, I have devoted my life and exuberance to and for the community, party and the government. The state of the party was much to be desired 30 years ago, and it was then that I decided to embark upon a journey of change and transformation in order to bring the Indian community to achieve what others have and at the same time to take charge of their lives and future,” said Samy.
The MIC man claimed that the party’s various contributions to the country’s growth were evident, using the examples of MIC-owned AIMST University and Tafe College.
Samy told delegates that he would seek the BN government’s support to allocate a quota of 15 per cent of all funds made available for the SMEs to be channelled to Indian SMEs.
The MIC president claimed that Indian SMEs could contribute 1 to 1.5 per cent to the country’s economical growth.
“I take this opportunity to invite all Indian based parties to close ranks and work closely with MIC, from either within or from outside at the national, state and district level for the betterment of the community. Let’s unite as a united Indian force as this is essential to see Barisan Nasional through the upcoming General Election,” added Samy.
But despite all of Samy’s bravado, his speech did not quite receive the encouraging response expected from the 2,000 odd delegates present.
But MIC vice-president Datuk S.K Devamany believes that majority of the party members were solidly behind Samy’s leadership.
“The delegates want a clear blueprint of what is in store for the Indian community. The issue of leadership, everyone is with Samy, the MIC wants a smooth leadership transition and we believe the president has the wisdom to do just that,” Devamany told The Malaysian Insider.
“We recognise that there has been neglect towards the Indian community. The time has now come for us to put it right, to reassure a better future for Indians in the country,” said Devamany.
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