Palanivel: Fewer Indians at rally due to 'realisation'

The decline in participation of Indians in the Bersih 2.0 illegal rally yesterday compared to that in the 2007 street demonstration was because they realised that it was only aimed at tarnishing the image of the BN government.

MIC president G Palanivel said many in the Indian community realised that yesterday's illegal rally held in the federal capital was not actually about questioning the role of the Election Commission.

"The Indians are now more aware that such a practice (street demonstration) is no longer relevant in resolving issues."

He said this to reporters after launching a book on the early history of the Kinta Indian Association and ground-breaking ceremony for its new building.

Palanivel said the realisation came about after proactive measures taken by the government that focused on improving the lot of the Indian community.

He said the Indians were benefiting from the efforts undertaken such as in the education, business, economic and social sectors.

"This has brought about a high level of realisation among the Indian
community of the government's sensitivity to their needs and problems."

Palanivel said yesterday's Bersih-organised illegal rally also clearly
showed that the opposition was actually behind it, from the participation of opposition leaders such as Anwar Ibrahim, Abdul Hadi
Awang, Lim Kit Siang and Azmin Ali.

The MIC president praised the police for their quick and stern action
against the illegal demonstrators to protect public safety and national security.

- Bernama