THE next general election will see the Indian community playing yet
another pivotal role in determining not only the outcome of polls but
also their own future.
Having turned their backs on the Barisan Nasional (BN) four years ago,
the community is now being courted by both sides of the political
divide.
However, various programmes and incentives dolled out for them by the
present administration has delighted the community and the Indians now
feel that their role in the country's development is finally being
recognised.
This point was underscored recently when Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Najib Razak pointed out that the nation was indebted to the Indians,
especially for their sacrifices in developing plantations, railway,
utility services and public works.
Televised live during the recent Unity Pongal celebrations, Najib's
speech provoked subtle smiles and a deep sense of satisfaction among
many.
Malaysians may not realise it, but Indians generally feel they have
played a big role in developing the country with their hard work in
creating plantations out of thick jungles and building roads that cut
through hills and forests.
The community also feels it has played a big role in the infancy years of the various utility companies in the country.
Though nothing much is expected, Indians simply feel their hard work
had been forgotten and due credit had not been given to them.
Thus, Najib's acknowledgement was a big deal to the community although some were quick to dismiss it as mere lip service.
Najib has said repeatedly that it will not remain at that as he aims to improve the fortunes of Indians significantly.
Dishing out a slew of programmes for the betterment of Indians, it has certainly made an impression on the community.
The community has certainly identified itself with Najib and most are comfortable with him and his approach.
But then comes the bigger question, namely what role does the MIC play here?
Will Najib's approach translate into support for MIC? Well, the answer lies to whom the question is posed to.
While MIC members will swear that it will, the layman will say, not necessarily so.
As strange as it sounds, both may be right.
MIC youth chief T. Mohan says that any support for Najib would spill
over to the party as voters would see Najib and MIC as one.
"They cannot see both as different entities. It doesn't make sense.
Would someone who supports the prime minister, decide not to vote for
MIC or Barisan Nasional?"
He said if such a situation arose, it would then mean that MIC was finished.
"But this is not the situation here. What we are doing is to synergise
the work done by Najib and MIC. People must realise that we are one.
Don't see us as two separate entities."
Mohan also cited a Merdeka Center survey in December last year showing a
76 per cent approval rating from Indians for the prime minister as
compared with a mere 34 per cent in March 2008.
He said the party was aware of criticisms that MIC had grown overly
dependent on Najib and BN for survival, instead of standing on its own
feet.
"This is only a perception as we have always been firm with our agenda.
We are not a mere prop in BN. We may have been subtle before, but all
that changed after 2008.
"I don't deny that we are riding on Najib's popularity, but what's
wrong with that? Can anyone tell us what is wrong with using the prime
minister for the betterment of the community?"
He said the community had greatly benefited in the educational,
economic and social sectors with the various initiatives undertaken by
the government.
"Close to RM1 billion in funds have been earmarked to uplift the Indian
community. We have something great going for Indians here.
"The good news is that, at least we have got the ball rolling. Hopefully, it won't grind to a halt after the general election."
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