MIC here to stay, let others join us, says MIC deputy chief

 

(Bernama) – Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister, said: “They asked the MIC to ‘gulung’ (fold up), we are not prepared to ‘gulung’. The original idea was that everybody merge with MIC, for which we are quite prepared.

The MIC is ready to accept all Indian-based parties under its umbrella but does not agree to have the party dissolved to form a new one to represent the Indians.

Stressing this, party deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pic) said it was inappropriate for MIC, one of the oldest political parties in the country, to lose its identity.

The MIC was established in August 1946.

Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister, said: “They asked the MIC to ‘gulung’ (fold up), we are not prepared to ‘gulung’. The original idea was that everybody merge with MIC, for which we are quite prepared.

“But some of them still want to maintain their identity. Another thing is, they want guarantee of certain positions and posts. That will depend on ability to accommodate their request.”

He said this at a press conference after launching the Malaysian Health System in Transition (HiT) Country Report in Putrajaya today.

Yesterday, Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor urged all Indian-based political parties under the BN to merge into a single entity in the best interest of the Indian community.

According to him, it was no use for the numerous parties to compete with one another, when what they should be doing was to work together to formulate the best policy to ensure a better future for the Indian community.

Tengku Adnan, who is also federal territories minister, said the merging of the parties was vital for the BN, especially after only 48% support was garnered from the Indian community in the last general election.