Could Mic Be Making An Announcement About Exiting Bn Soon

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THE long-awaited decision by MIC to leave the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is near, according to some media reports, and many are waiting patiently for the party’s momentous announcement on this matter.
MIC has nothing to lose by exiting the long exploitative relationship with the BN as there is nothing more to expect in the future. BN itself is disunited and already in the doldrums and continuing to rely on it is suicidal.
There is a possibility that UMNO could be wiped out in the 16th General Election (GE16) by the intensive electoral onslaught of Perikatan Nasional (PN).
MIC has to strike out on its own whether good or bad and accept the challenge of creating a new vision and mission of rebuilding the party and winning back the trust of the Indian community.
The road may be tough in the near future but with good plans and new leaders it can succeed. Indians still need a party that fully represents them as the country is not egalitarian and does not have a level playing field no matter what is said in the name of multi-racialism and unity in diversity.
MIC has to make a comeback with a better batch of leaders if it is to make a dent in the next general election either as coalition partners of PN or as part of a third force, which comprises notable and popular personalities and small parties.
There may not be any Indian majority electoral constituencies in the country but MIC stands a good chance of winning in multi-racial seats in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Perak and Penang. The most important thing is to have exemplary candidates and a visionary electoral manifesto.
At a time when multi-racial support for the unity government is waning due to unfulfilled promises and reforms, the time is right for MIC to take the difficult decision.
A lot of Indians now sympathise with the plight of MIC and this will help the party in mixed seats. Whatever it is in the Malaysian political scenario there needs to be a party dedicated to help Indians.
However, MIC needs to be part of the PN coalition or a formalised third force if it is to win. If it is going to partner PN then there should be a formal agreement as to various issues.
Otherwise the Malay-centric parties will brush off Indian interests just like what Pakatan Harapan (PH) has done.
A couple of wins could get it one or two ministerial positions with which it could help Indians. The party cannot win independently. There are almost two years for the next election and the party needs time to build up its grassroots support and groundwork.
Although MIC has been roundly criticised for not doing much for the Indians since Merdeka the truth is that it had done a reasonable measure in educational efforts and some socio-economic matters.
The weak point of the party was that there were a lot of exploiters and self-servers at the branch, divisional and state levels who grabbed whatever allocations and opportunities the government gave to the Indians.
These self-servers are now multi-millionaires and they must surely regret seeing how their actions have ruined the party.
Although it was also the same with MCA and UMNO, the deception and failure of MIC leaders rankles Indians the most who blame MIC for not having any bold vision after Merdeka to alleviate their poverty.
The biggest minus point for the Indian community is that it does not have visionary leaders who could chart a new socio-economic plan to assist Indians.
Many of the so-called leaders are the run-of-the-mill types despite having degrees and doctorates and even boasting about being corporate achievers.
The fates of Maika Holdings and the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), which were helmed by big shots, are a good illustration of my point.
Many well-intentioned Indians in NGOs have become fed up of the government’s paltry budgetary allocations to eradicate poverty and coupled with the snail’s pace of Indian progress have abandoned their efforts and gone back to doing their own work.
MIC has learned some useful lessons since its downfall, which started in 2008 with the defeat of Tun S. Samy Vellu. The party should look to a new dawn and beginning with its exit from BN.
With a re-vitalised party leadership and re-energised membership it should exploit and capitalise its political chances especially the present disillusionment and disappointment of Indians with the unity government.
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT. 
- Focus Malaysia.

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