MIC show of support for PM

MIC Gathering Show Of Support For PM, Government, Says Samy Vellu

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- The gathering of 15,000 MIC members at a meeting with the prime minister in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow evening is not a show of strength by the party but a demonstration of support for Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the government, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said today.

Organised by the Federal Territory MIC and dubbed "An Evening with the Prime Minister", the event at the Cheras Badminton Stadium will gather the largest ever number of MIC members at one location in recent times.

"The gathering will pledge support for the Barisan Nasional (BN) and the prime minister. This is the start of a series of such gatherings throughout the country aimed at bolstering the party's strength and support for the BN ahead of the next general election," the MIC chief told Bernama, when contacted.

Carrying the theme "Unity and Solidarity with the BN", the event would set the stage for a more cohesive and coordinated effort to unite the Malaysian Indian community.

Samy Vellu is expected to use the gathering to speak on the need for the country's 1.8 million Indians to continue to lend their support to the ruling BN government and why they should be wary of tactics employed by the opposition parties to hoodwink Malaysian Indians at large.

"Indians can judge the MIC and BN through our track records. They know we are here to help and assist them in uplifting their standing. We have done that all along and we would not abandon our aim," said Samy Vellu, who is also Works Minister.

The MIC president is also expected to emphasise the importance for the community to give attention to gaining a proper education so as to uplift its socio-economic status.

Recently, Samy Vellu announced various changes to the way the MIC would operate, including adopting new and more practical methods, in dealing with problems of the community.

He has also promised to introduce new and younger MIC candidates to contest under the BN banner in the next general election, likely to be held in March.

"The January 20 gathering is not a show of strength but (a meeting) to send a loud and clear message that Malaysian Indians are united," he added.

The senior Cabinet minister also had a word of caution for the opposition, saying that "they should not play with fire".

"The opposition should stop giving the community false hopes and promise the sky. They should also stop the lies and baseless allegations against the MIC and the government," Samy Vellu said.

"The MIC will never let the community down and will fight till the last breath to ensure that their grievances are addressed.

"We have been doing it for the past 62 years (since the formation of the party). Nothing will stop us from fighting for our community. We will do the right things the right way at the right time," he said.

-- BERNAMA http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=308884