SHAH ALAM: The unity government should duly acknowledge the MIC’s contributions towards nation-building, says party chief Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran.
Making his pitch at the party’s 78th annual general assembly held here yesterday, he said the MIC has always been “the sole hope of the Indian community.”
He said the party had championed the community’s rights and welfare, while at the same time protecting the uniqueness of the Malaysian race.
“The MIC is not merely a representative of the Indian community but is an important milestone in the Malaysian political landscape. Our voice and perspectives are important in shaping policies that are inclusive and fair.
“But to ensure our effective role within the Indian community, the MIC has to be relevant in the unity government’s machinery,” Vigneswaran said in his policy address at the event held at a convention centre here.
The special guest was Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.
The others included Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said the nation’s political dynamics continued to progress and given this, there was a need for all to get accustomed to the changes accordingly.
“The unity government must give importance to all parties involved in order to formulate policies that are more comprehensive and balanced,” he said.
Vigneswaran said as the biggest party representing the Indian community, the MIC wanted to be given a chance to play a more important role in the unity government.
The MIC is among the four component parties remaining in Barisan, the others being Umno, MCA and Sabah’s PBRS.
On another matter, Vigneswaran hoped that the conditions to be imposed on non-Muslim eateries for halal certification would not affect their right to place religious images in their premises such as at cash counters.
He said the right to do so was guaranteed by Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which propagated freedom of religion and also encompassed the first tenet of the Rukun Negara which was Belief in God.
Urging Ahmad Zahid, who is chairman of the Malaysian Halal Council, to consider the MIC’s perspective on the issue, he talked about a scenario of his Muslim friends attending his Deepavali open house with halal food served.
“What will happen if the prohibition is imposed and my home cannot be visited by Muslims because, even if the food served is halal, there are Hindu images in my home? Will my friends not be able to eat at my home?” he asked.
Vigneswaran also spoke of his elation with the Federal Court’s decision in February to validate vernacular schools in the country.
“By validating vernacular schools, it promotes a more inclusive approach to education, where diverse linguistic and cultural needs are recognised and addressed.
“This can contribute to a more equitable education system where all students have access to education that aligns with their cultural and linguistic background,” he said, adding that for years there were elements who tried to “wipe out” the existence of vernacular schools built by the forefathers of the Chinese and Indian communities.
He also spoke of enemies continuing to tarnish the MIC and reputation of its leaders to estrange the party from the Indian community.
“I don’t care about other people’s opinion with regards to our party... a total waste of time if we are bogged down by what others think of us.
“We must never allow ourselves to become a convenient scapegoat for everyone and, to be found guilty as charged in the kangaroo court of public opinion,” he added.
Vigneswaran also pledged that the MIC will continue to be a conduit to link Malaysia and India on economic cooperation.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim understood the importance of having good ties with India.
“I am glad to be working alongside him and the Foreign Minister in further strengthening our bilateral relationship,” the MIC chief said.
