As MIC turns 70, the party is not miffed by other Indian-based parties

The MIC has never been threatened by the large number of Indian-based political parties in the country as the party always has the will and momentum to address the community's needs since 1946.

MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the oldest Indian party, which celebrated its 70th anniversary Saturday, had always looked out for the community and represented its aspirations through a single voice.

In fact, Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister, pointed out that the Indian community was well aware that the party was formed to protect its rights and welfare in the mainstream development.

"So, rather than trying to see who is better or stronger, MIC's focus is mainly to address and engage with the community, and in doing so, we maintain the support from them. The community too, knows the party was formed for them.

"This is quite deep-rooted feeling and sentiment, and that is why whenever there is an issue pertaining to the community, they always look towards the MIC as the party to solve it, and if we don't, they question us on why we failed too," he told Bernama in an interview ahead of the party's 70th anniversary celebration.

Apart from MIC, other parties which represent the Indian community are the Indian Progressive Front, Makkal Sakthi, myPPP and Malaysian Indian United Party.

According to Dr Subramaniam, questions from the community, often voiced in social media indicated MIC as its sole representative in the government.

"Because of this love-hate relationship, the community expects MIC to solve issues better and efficiently. So, on our side, once we know they have recognised us, it is our duty to see whether our delivery mechanism is right and we are taking the correct steps.

"If we are on the right track, then the support of the Indian community will be increased and remain steadfast with MIC," he said, adding the party was doing its best to bring Indians back into the Barisan Nasional (BN) fold.

BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor had in 2013, said all Indian-based political parties under the BN umbrella should merge into a single entity in the best interests of the community.

Responding to Tengku Adnan's suggestion, Dr Subramaniam said: "MIC has always opened its doors for other Indian-based parties to join us and work positively to improve the future of the community."

He said MIC's biggest challenge was to uplift the socio-economic standard of the community in the bottom 40 per cent (B40) household income group to middle class sector.

He said this would be done through education and economic empowerment in order for the B40 group to cope with the cost of living and be part of the country's mainstream development.

"This is a huge responsibility and is being tackled with a sense of urgency. It is not an easy job so we may not see the results immediately. But when it is done, that would be my best moment in being the ninth MIC president," added Dr Subramaniam.

On the party's 70th anniversary celebration, he said the theme, 'Single Voice, Common Goal' was a clear message to all party members to unite under a single and clear voice and walk towards a common goal to win the hearts and minds of the community.

Meanwhile, party secretary-general Datuk A. Sakthivel said besides a montage video shown on the party's history, struggles, development and evolution, and tomorrow's celebration, past leaders and their families would be honoured fortheir contributions to the party.

Various activities such as roadshows and exhibitions nationwide were planned throughout this month to further enliven the celebration, he said, adding the party's history would be documented into a coffee-table book.