Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairman P. Waythamoorthy has promised to solve the problems faced by the Indian community and bring positive changes to its socio-economic position in the next five years.

Waythamoorthy, who has been appointed deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said he would focus on displaced estate workers, stateless people,education and business and job opportunities among the community.

Describing his appointment as an opportunity to remove the community's problems, he said: "From now on, we will bring the voice of the poor to the government, and ensure Indians gain their legitimate rights."

At a press conference here today, the 47-year-old lawyer also lambasted his critics, especially Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP and their cybertroopers.

"To those critics, we say, go ahead and say whatever you want. We will prove all of you wrong and make you swallow your words in time. The people will take care of you in the next (general) election."

The Kelantan-born Waythamoorthy also denied that his appointment as a deputy minister was due to the memorandum of understanding signed between Hindraf and Barisan Nasional (BN) on April 18.

On the friction between him and his brother, Uthayakumar, he said the latter was expelled from the movement and had no right to criticise Hindraf.

"Hindraf is not a political party. My appointment is a non-political appointment," he said.